Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the first matter, as I said previously, the questions I was asked pertained to various matters and I had to answer in the way I did based on the requirements of the tribunal itself. I am not suggesting whether a particular file was sent there, I am simply making the point that whatever requests come to the Taoiseach's office in regard to its private business, I am required to observe the confidentiality it insists upon. All I can say is that whatever information was sought, it was provided. I am not indicating whether a particular file was sent to the tribunal. That is a matter that is confidential between the tribunal and the Department. Requests do not come to me, as political head of the Department; they come to the Secretary General, who sends them on to the relevant officer. That is the position and, unfortunately, I cannot be any more specific.

It was at the request of the chairperson of the tribunal that we were asked to defer the implementation of the new fee structure. This was on the basis of commitments that were received regarding the tribunal finalising its work. As the Deputy stated, that work has extended beyond the period originally envisaged. We understand, however, that it will be completed. If we had proceeded with the new fee structure against the chairperson's wishes, we could have been accused of interfering with the tribunal's work. In conjunction with the chairpersons of the tribunals, the Government is acting in good faith in the interests of having the matters being investigated finalised as quickly as possible and ensuring that there will be no necessity to replace personnel or whatever in the event of the arrangements relating to fees being altered. That is what we are trying to achieve.

As far as I recall, we received a commitment that the public hearings should end some time early in the second half of the year. We hope the preparation of reports will commence at that stage and that these reports will be forthcoming.

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