Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The fact is that, due to the principle of natural justice, any report drawing adverse conclusions regarding individuals who can be identified, even if not named, must be issued to them to allow them an opportunity to respond. That is the opinion of the Attorney General and has been the relevant legal advice for many years. In that context, the Dalton report has not yet been published, but I understand the Minister intends to bring it to the Cabinet next Tuesday. The Barr report is not yet with the Government, but we expect it tomorrow. The intention is to publish it as quickly as possible. I do not know when the O'Sullivan report is expected, but it will be within a matter of weeks.

I had hoped we might have had the report on the late Pat Joe Walsh in eight weeks. However, in the first instance, we had to go outside this jurisdiction to find people to carry out the inquiry. They have now completed their work and the draft conclusions have been sent to those in respect of whom the findings were adverse for a response. I very much regret that parts of the report appear to have been leaked today, since it has never been submitted to the Department of Health and Children and I have not seen it. It appears to have been leaked to a journalist in a prominent newspaper this morning, and I know it has caused great upset to the family of the deceased to whom we spoke last night. They have been kept fully informed at each stage of writing the report. We certainly hope the legal process can be concluded quickly.

I do not know the position on the Morris tribunal. As the Deputy is aware, several tribunals are ongoing in the State, and much as we would wish to see them conclude more quickly, the process sometimes takes longer than anticipated. However, that is a matter for the tribunal and not something the Government or Oireachtas can influence.

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