Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is a matter for Deputy Gilmore if he wishes to criticise the procedures that are being adopted by the sole member of the tribunal. Regarding third party costs, the work of the tribunal following the publication of the report, apart from the winding down of the administration, will entail mainly dealing with issues of costs. The extent of any third party cost process will depend on the findings in the report. Any orders for cost made will entitle a party in whose favour an order has been made to lodge a bill of costs with the tribunal's solicitor. The ultimate sanction for costs to be paid to any party in whose favour a bill has been made will rest with the Department of Finance. The process of awarding costs can be lengthy and may not be completed in 2009. It is impossible to say what the final cost, including third party costs, will be for the tribunal. The tribunal has made no rulings in this regard and has consistently told us that to give any indication of what the total amount might be would allow inferences to be drawn,which could infringe upon the rights of the parties involved.

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