Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said he was about to appoint a senior counsel to examine the irregularities complained about in Donegal and that this would be done on a non-statutory basis. The consultants examining the other six counties under scrutiny were appointed on a statutory basis, so why is this being done on a non-statutory basis? The Minister said he was in discussions with the Attorney General about the terms of reference, that the senior counsel would put those together and that they would be published, but the terms of reference for the senior counsel heading this up are of the utmost importance. There could be very different outcomes depending on the terms of reference and the areas that are looked at. Can the Minister also tell us what authority the senior counsel will have to call and question former officials and relevant persons who are the subject of complaints and who have now finished their employment with Donegal County Council?

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