Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Responsibility for these matters rests not with the Government but with the bodies entrusted with instituting charges. It would be a criminal offence for me to contact the Director of Public Prosecutions on this matter. Legislation to this effect was enacted by a national coalition Government in 1974. I have limited scope for initiative in this area.

The other bodies mentioned jealously guard their independence, as they must, in the context of prosecutorial discretion and the preparation of cases. Just a few weeks ago, a Minister of State resigned because he wrote a letter pertaining to a summons. I do not understand how I am supposed to correspond with the authorities on these matters. Naturally I share the public unease about the delays that have already arisen because it is important these matters are brought to justice as quickly as possible. I agree with Deputy Burton's earlier comments in that regard.

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