Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

At the outset of the tribunals, certain costs were set. I think they were changed a few times during the course of the work of the tribunals. They were set on the basis the tribunals would be finished within certain timeframes but for one reason or another a number of tribunals made submissions regarding extensions of time. When the tribunals were set up in 1997, it was considered they would take two years to complete. It is clear from the record that this was the view of everybody on this side of the House. The legislation was amended on the basis we would know when the final modules would be finished and by what date. The Moriarty tribunal was expected to end in 2002. Increases were given. In 2004 the then Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, and the Attorney General agreed the timescale within which the tribunal would be completed. However, a number of the tribunals, including the Moriarty tribunal, made submissions that some delays were beyond their control and that they needed further time. The Moriarty tribunal has completed its first report and stated a small number of hearings may be held on its second report. It expects to start work on the second report within a few weeks and wrap up all matters relating to the tribunal, except that of third party costs, which will be a matter for the sole member. The tribunal as we know it should wrap up during 2007.

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