Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding commissions of inquiry, we have structures in place to deal with the matter of legal costs. On tribunals of inquiry, this is a matter in respect of which we rely on the leadership of the person leading the tribunal. It must be acknowledged that Mr. Justice Charleton, who is leading the disclosures tribunal, has already been very clear about his view on cost. That was a decision and a statement he made and one I certainly welcome. My Department will fulfil its role as best as possible - along with the Department of Justice - in dealing with the issue of cost. However, I wish to make one point in this regard, and I do so again in the spirit of acknowledging the need to interrogate the truth about very important matters. This is an issue of which Deputy Brendan Howlin, Deputy Sherlock's party leader, would have been aware. Deputy Howlin previously held my position and it was he who introduced the legislation on commissions of inquiry. As was his right, Deputy Howlin called for a tribunal of inquiry in this instance in light of everything we have learned. This is why I believe tribunals of inquiry should be used carefully. However, clearly, a tribunal of inquiry was and is the right course of action to deal with the issue of disclosures regarding the operation of An Garda Síochána.