Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There have been some comments that the terms of reference for the senior counsel review are somewhat restricted. They are not at all. Term 5(a) states the senior counsel "shall exercise such discretion in relation to the scope of his examination of the matters of concern as he considers necessary and appropriate". Term 5(b) adds further to that. Where other allegations have come into the public domain, they are also being investigated. I have not received the report which is due within six weeks. The senior counsel can, if he sees fit, seek an extension to that if more work is being undertaken or if he has not concluded his work. I have not yet received a request to extend the timeframe. If I do, I will certainly let the House know and let spokespeople know. As for how long will it take me to review the report when we get it, I do not know the scale or size of the report yet. Let me receive it first. I will keep Deputies informed the progress.

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