Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Government is dealing with a number of the tribunals as regards costs. We must reach a conclusion because the dates are up shortly for some of these. The date for the planning tribunal is 31 March, and it is clear for a variety of reasons that its work will not be finished on that date or for a long time afterwards. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, is trying to reach a conclusion as regards what modules are outstanding, how long they are likely to take and what to do about costs. It is not just a question of the planning tribunal. This must be dealt with as regards other tribunals as well. It will take a few weeks and this is being negotiated between the tribunals and the Minister, Deputy Roche.

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