Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his informative contribution. Fine Gael compliments Mr. Justice Flood on the huge amount of work he did as chairman of the tribunal. The public saw some tribunals in the past as a means for lawyers to get wealthy and for people to be exonerated. Certainly, there have been wishy washy reports from some tribunals. That was not the case with the Flood tribunal. The interim report of that tribunal was frank and thoughtful. It called a spade a spade and people appreciated that fact. The judge used the word "corrupt" in relation to one politician.

Mr. Justice Flood is 75 years of age and he sat for 75 months as chairman of the tribunal. He is entitled to his retirement and Fine Gael wishes him well in that regard. We also wish Judge Alan Mahon every success in his new role. We fully support the tribunal.