Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is a matter for the sole member to inform me of certain issues; I am not involved in the workings of the tribunal, nor in the completion of its report.

The Deputy asked about the possibility of a progress report. However, such a report would state that the sole member is in the process of completing the final report, which is the case. A couple of developments have arisen, as the Deputy knows; there is the question of a particular witness being available to give evidence which he states would be valuable to the tribunal and which opportunity he would like to have had before now. It is a matter of regret to him that the prospect of attendance has arisen so belatedly in the proceedings. In the interest of protecting the constitutional rights of everyone concerned, if the person is available to give evidence, that evidence should be given. Obviously the sole member would not feel it proper or appropriate to proceed with the finalisation of a report in the absence of that evidence on the basis that the witness is indicating his availability to attend.

It is in the interest of bringing forward a report that will reflect the full participation of everyone concerned that he has indicated - without being categoric - that it will take a few more months to complete the report. We are awaiting a completed report. As the Deputy said, it was hoped we would have it before now, but a number of developments since the previous indications have meant further witness hearings and now we have the current development also. The progress report would simply state what I am stating, which is the case in the body of the correspondence I have received. That is the situation.

We are all concerned with the longevity of proceedings, not only in respect of this tribunal but of others and have brought forward legislation which provides us with a more modern means or more up-to-date way of dealing with matters such as these commissions of investigation or the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill which is currently before the Oireachtas. That is the substantive position. It is a matter for the Oireachtas at any time to consider these matters, but that is the position as I understand it to be.

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