Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together.

My sole responsibility as regards the Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters is in the facilitation of its budget from my Vote. The first report of the Moriarty tribunal was made to Dáil Éireann in accordance with the terms of reference under which it was established by the House. I have no responsibility for and am not in a position to answer to the House on the content of the report. In so far as the findings in the report may require action, such as improving oversight mechanisms, I refer to my statement to the House on 14 February 2007.

The total cost incurred by my Department in respect of the Moriarty tribunal from 1997 to 28 February 2007 was €27,071,138. This includes fees paid to counsel for the tribunal and administration costs incurred since its establishment. The total payment made to the legal team was €20,882,453 to 28 February 2007. The total cost in respect of the Moriarty tribunal for 2006 was €3,897,559.

The administration costs for the Moriarty tribunal, including counsel fees, are met from my Department's Vote. Issues in this regard which may be raised from time to time by officers of the tribunal are dealt with in the normal course of business by my Department. From time to time, there have been requests by the tribunal for records and files and my Department has submitted these. It will continue to co-operate with the tribunal in making available any records sought. Normally, these requests are received by the Secretary General and assigned to the appropriate departmental official by him. All are dealt with on a highly confidential basis as required by the tribunal.

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