John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

This was opposed by the Government. During the Dáil debate, I gave a comprehensive account of my position emphasising that I was not opposed in principle to a public inquiry but did not wish to jeopardise criminal and civil proceedings. I had appointed Mr. Shane Murphy, Senior Counsel, to look at the matter and wished to await his report.

In January 2002, Mr. Murphy submitted his report. While recognising the need to ensure that civil and criminal proceedings were not compromised, he expressed the view that a tribunal of inquiry represented the only comprehensive method of inquiry to resolve outstanding issues of fundamental public importance.

It is noteworthy that despite lengthy protestations from members of the Opposition, they came up with nothing constructive that would enable us to hold a tribunal without prejudicing proceedings then in train.

See this speech in context