Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I stated in my original remarks, many of the Comptroller and Auditor General's recommendations have been incorporated into the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005, Committee Stage of which is before the House. Many of the recommendations will be made operational.

With regard to the tribunal's work, I understand from the tribunal that further public sittings will commence at the end of the March, which the sole member anticipates is likely to be completed by the end of April or the beginning of May. On completion of those sittings, the sole member hopes to produce his report within a period of some months. I understand from the sole member that when public sittings are conclusively completed, the role of his legal team is likely to diminish.

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