Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Obviously, I cannot say what the final figure will be. However, taking account of what the sole member has said and given the tribunal is coming to an end, whether the final figure will be €38 million or €39 million remains to be seen.

Payment to legal counsel has continued on the basis of hearings that had to be undertaken again. The Deputy will be aware some witnesses were recalled during the course of this year. In fairness, the sole member, by way of the manner in which he operated the tribunal, ensured hearings were not at all time held in public. This brought about a saving when compared to other tribunals in terms of costs. The tribunal's work will be completed, barring matters outside of the sole member's control arising, in January. The tribunal is drawing to an end at this point.

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