Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I had a brief conversation with the Minister for Justice and Law Reform about this. He received the request from Mr. Justice Smithwick. As I pointed out on many occasions, I have no intention of interfering with the work of the tribunal. He made the point that if the judge felt he could not complete the work within the timescale set out, he could inform the House of this. He has done so and an extension will be granted. However, I expect the Minister will require a further interim report so that the House can note the progress made. The Minister will set out the detail of his response in public very shortly. The extension will be granted in the same way as the previous one was.

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