Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Rabbitte indicated that it was inopportune to consider the legislation at this time. Of course, it was inopportune in the period leading up to the general election at the end of the last Dáil and it is now inopportune at the beginning of a new Dáil. There is no time, apparently, when this legislation can be considered. However, there is no intention to rush it. What is required is a considered debate on Second Stage. There is certainly no intention to rush the legislation before Christmas, or before next summer. However, it is legislation which is required and which has been recommended on foot of the report of the Law Reform Commission. The public would expect us to ensure any future tribunals established by the House would proceed in an expeditious, cost effective and efficient manner. As I understand it, that is the purpose of the Law Reform Commission's recommendations. On that basis, I see no reason the Opposition has to take issue with the presentation of the Bill to the House on Second Stage.

As regards the matter raised by Deputy Rabbitte, the power of dissolution of a tribunal, it is certainly not my intention to bring any proposals before the Government to dissolve the tribunals. However, the public could ask us the question as to what would happen were a tribunal to trespass beyond its brief and continue endlessly. The question might arise, but as I said, it does not because the tribunals have indicated timeframes for their completion. If Deputy Rabbitte wishes to explore the issue further on Committee Stage as to whether the power of dissolution would apply to tribunals already established, I am open to considering an amendment in that regard. The purpose of this legislation, however, is not in any way to interfere with the current tribunals. Its purpose is to reassure the public that were the Oireachtas to resolve to establish tribunals in the future, they would perform under a modern code of legislation which regulated their operations.

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