Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

In light of what the Taoiseach said to Deputy Kenny, without pre-empting the letter he is due to receive from Mr. MacEntee, is it anticipated that the further extension will be towards the end of 2006 or beyond? Is there an indication of what the time period may be for the final phase of the work? On his reply to Deputy Rabbitte, there was a phrase in the last progress report where Mr. MacEntee talked about the disclosure of sensitive material to the commission for the purposes of the investigation from persons, agencies and entities and that that would involve careful consideration. Obviously this has an impact on the final report. At this stage has the Taoiseach an indication of the number of people who were involved in this process and how it might compromise the final report of the MacEntee commission?

This is the first such commission set up under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 and its first year of operation has run a cost of €1.73 million. As this is the first practical experience of this type of commission, does the Taoiseach have an opinion as to whether it compares favourably with other such entities? Does it represent appropriate value for money?

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