Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

The independent statutory inquiry process established by me pursuant to section 12 of the Dublin Police Act 1924, as applied and amended, has been under way for some time following the appointment of Mr. Hugh Hartnett, SC, on 14 September 2005 to conduct it. Mr. Hartnett decided that the inquiry was to be held in private and he is not, under his terms of reference, required to report to me on a regular basis on any of its aspects. He is required to report to me with his findings and conclusions, which I intend to publish unless there are reasons to the contrary.

I have had no indication from either Mr. Hartnett or any other party that substantial progress is not being made. When last I heard of the progress, approximately 90 witnesses had given oral evidence, and the inquiry was heading to a conclusion. It is Mr. Hartnett's proposal to have the inquiry concluded by the summer.

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