Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

There are questions to be answered about inquiries. The terms of reference and how the inquiry will take place must be set out clearly. The length of time for an inquiry and the expected cost must also be borne in mind. There is a need for a report to be provided within a reasonable time; I am aware this is provided for in the legislation. We must also recognise the need for a separation between the functions of the courts and of Parliament. We should also place greater reliance on parliamentary inquiry, which is already available within the ambit of the Oireachtas and which would cost far less than the big boys we have had previously.

Some people have raised a question as to what a bunch of red or brown necks elected to the Oireachtas would know about inquiries and how they could be expected to conduct them. There is only one way for people to find out.

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