Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I am making the point that the costs of the Moriarty tribunal and other experiences have been used as an argument against taking appropriate steps in other cases, so therefore it has a direct impact. I am asking whether, on the passage of the new Tribunals of Inquiry Bill, further consideration will be given to these other matters.

With regard to the responses the Taoiseach has given regarding the ongoing retention of the services, at some significant cost to the taxpayer, of legal advisors who are or have been engaged in the Moriarty tribunal, is it the case that the process of public hearings has been completed? The Taoiseach has posed a question as to whether this is the case. Nevertheless, the report is being compiled by the sole member. Does the Taoiseach not accept that there is valid public concern over the extent of the ongoing cost of the retention of a significant number of legal experts, and that this requires intervention by the Government in order to establish their purpose and role? Surely there is a question in this regard to be addressed in the public interest and in the interest of restoring confidence in the tribunal of inquiry method of addressing major issues. Will the Taoiseach inquire as to the need and justification for the continued retention of people who are clearly associated with the work of the tribunal at a significant cost, and given that there is some doubt as to the validity of their ongoing claims?

See this speech in context