Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Technical Group considers that the motion makes a reasonable request given the circumstances, including that a key witness is not available owing to a medical condition. While it is important that the tribunal of inquiry chaired by Judge Peter Smithwick completes its work as quickly as possible, it must be able to do so in a comprehensive manner, which would not be possible without interviewing the witness in question.

Notwithstanding the Technical Group's concern that the tribunal of inquiry is taking longer than is desirable, it is clear that it will be some months before the witness in question is interviewed. Will the nine month extension be sufficient to investigate fully the new information that has come to light? Has this been factored into the nine month period? It would be unfortunate if the Minister found it necessary to seek a further extension in future. As I indicated, this is a reasonable motion which the Technical Group supports.

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