Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As regards timing, I know that Mr. MacEntee would like to wrap up this work on the important aspects that were referred to him. Obviously, he wants to bring it to a successful conclusion following the work of the Hamilton and Barron inquires as well as the work of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. He has done a lot of work and brought the inquiry to a stage beyond that dealt with by Hamilton and Barron. There are legal complexities in dealing with these important issues which date from a long time ago.

The costs involved are not large compared to other tribunals or commissions. In fairness, it is one of the most difficult inquiries because it is dealing with matters that occurred over 30 years ago. It has been trying to piece together data and seek information through the British Government system, so it is far more complex than the normal work of an inquiry would be.

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