Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is expected that day-to-day operations of the tribunal will be finally concluded during 2015, and as I indicated earlier my Department was advised by the tribunal in May 2014 that the estimated final cost of the tribunal would be approximately €159 million, once all of the costs have been agreed and paid. This estimate was prepared in accordance with standard accounting practice and the agreed protocol on legal fees, on the assumption that all parties involved with the tribunal and who were entitled to apply for their costs would receive all of them.

On outstanding third party costs, the tribunal yesterday issued a clarification statement specifically countering recent media reports that the tribunal's estimate of its total costs, that is €159 million, is no longer accurate as a consequence of the outcome of the most recent Supreme Court judgment relating to Mr. Redmond. It is also worth noting that the work of the tribunal has resulted in significant settlements with the Revenue Commissioners by certain parties, which are expected to defray much of the costs associated with the operation of the tribunal.

The tribunal has been instrumental in highlighting certain deficiencies in the planning system, which are now being addressed in the forthcoming planning legislation with a view to ensuring that the mistakes of the past in this regard are not repeated in the future. The Deputy said there is uncertainty regarding the outcomes. The tribunal shone a light on the difficulties in our planning system, and we are now legislating to ensure those systems cannot be encroached upon again.

We are always open to people trying to get around certain rules and regulations, and perhaps that will always be the case. Our planning system is far more robust because of the tribunal.

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