Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The decision was taken by the Government a number of years ago to conduct the scoping exercise. It was very clearly outlined in the terms of reference that, if a public inquiry was deemed necessary following this scoping exercise, that would be considered by Government. I have never, nor has the Government, throughout this scoping exercise said that we would not accept a public inquiry if that was recommended. We have a report that clearly outlines the reasons a public inquiry should not take place. This has been brought this to the Cabinet and a decision has been taken in that regard.

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