Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have replied to the Deputy regarding a possible further public hearing in respect of a part-heard witness who requires to be recalled. There is a possibility of a limited amount of further testimony but none of very long duration, according to the information I have.

I have explained to the Deputy in respect of the main thrust of his earlier question regarding the possibility of loss of counsel and the impact that would have on the work of the tribunal, etc. - the considerations that came into play in respect of counsel's fees not being reduced in this case. This is a detailed, technical, complex issue involving those being investigated on foot of a previous tribunal report from Mr. Justice McCracken.

This will be, as outlined in the tribunal's terms of reference, the second and final report. It will deal with those parts of the terms of reference relating to Mr. Lowry and will contain recommendations addressed in the third section of the terms of reference that state that in light of its findings and conclusions, the tribunal is to make whatever broad recommendations it considers necessary or expedient.

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