Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

I want to turn my attention to the Cregan commission. The Taoiseach mentioned this in his opening address. The first module of the commission has been examining the write-down of €119 million in debt by the State-controlled Irish Banking Resolution Corporation with the sale of Siteserv. The Taoiseach will remember this was a major crisis when it came to light previously. We understand the company was acquired by another company that was in the control of Denis O'Brien at the time. I am flabbergasted this particular module has been going on for six years. I understand that in recent weeks the Taoiseach has given the go-ahead for another extension until October. The final cost of this commission could be €30 million according to sources in the Government. The cost could run up to €70 million depending on how it completes.

Two major questions arise in the minds of people on this. There is the question of the length of time for justice to be achieved. That is a major question. Justice delayed is justice denied. This rocked the Government six years ago and is still receding into history without an answer of justice, and that is problematic. At issue is €30 million of taxpayers' money, which is especially difficult to raise at this stage. What will the Government do to ensure that the commission achieves its investigative purpose in a reasonable time and within a reasonable budget?