Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The consequences of the failure by anybody to comply with the terms of reference of the tribunal are clear: it is a breach of the law which will be investigated in early course. As regards the transmission of the email of 15 May from the office of the Secretary General to the tribunal, my understanding is that there were legal issues and issues relating to privilege. The advice of the Attorney General was sought. A number of days elapsed before it was ultimately forwarded to the tribunal, which, I understand, was done on 21 or 22 November, the Monday or Tuesday of the following week. It appears that there were certain legal issues involved and clarifications were sought and ultimately complied with.

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