Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No one in the House wishes to further delay a tribunal which is undertaking vital work and which, indeed, has brought forward its work in recognition of definite matters of urgent public importance. We are all agreed that not only are these matters important, but they have now become urgent. I am advised by the Attorney General that the law governing tribunals mandates that an amendment to the terms of reference would require a fresh resolution of both Houses followed by the Government acceding to the request of the tribunal. This would clearly impact on the very strict timeframe before us. We all look forward to the commencement of the public sessions on 8 or 9 January.

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