Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Serious fees are being paid to legal personnel. My understanding is that the Attorney General advised the tribunal of the legality of the change of ownership in respect of the consortium bidding for the licence. It has come to light only recently that this was a fact. How could legal personnel paid at premium rates on a daily basis make a fundamental error such as that, and the legal adviser to the State and to the Government advise on the legality of the change of ownership yet that did not emerge until quite recently?

The tribunal was set up by the Government and this House. It was a decision of the Dáil. Does the Taoiseach have a view on when the Dáil should consider that the tribunal should be wound up? It has now drifted for 12 years and has cost €40 million to date plus unknown figures for third party costs. Now, the expert consultant, Mr. Andersen, wants to give evidence to the tribunal in accordance with what has been already said by the legal adviser and the Department. Does the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, have a view on when the Moriarty tribunal should be wound up? If it is allowed to drift interminably people will call it a charade, and a costly one at that.

I respect the right of the sole member of the tribunal to find and determine the facts but two grievous errors have occurred along the way and they will cost the taxpayer more money. Does the Taoiseach have a view on when the Government will consider a recommendation for the winding up of the Moriarty tribunal or is he prepared to let it drift for a number of months or possibly even longer?

As I said to the Deputy on a number of occasions, it is a matter for the Oireachtas to table a substantive motion for consideration on tribunals of inquiry. The matter will require careful consideration. At this stage the focus must be on the completion of the report and to arrange for its publication. A witness has indicated that they may be available to attend. Correspondence is ongoing between the tribunal and the solicitor for the individual concerned, who is in another country, to see whether that can be facilitated. The latest information I have from the sole member, without being categoric - because as Deputy Kenny indicated, he cannot anticipate what will be the impact of all of that - is that he suggested a short number of months is required. The working of the tribunal is a matter for the tribunal. It is not a matter for me to comment on.

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