Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

While I accept all of that there is another problem that must be confronted. We are not establishing a court. The tribunals of inquiry are not courts although they are judicial instruments up to a point. We have learned the lesson from the tribunal difficulties that if there is any kind of glitch, ultimately people who may have done some wrong run to the High Court and attempt to attack the tribunal. Tribunals are not courtrooms. As far as I am concerned the more of this work that is done in private the better; there will be fewer barristers and solicitors to carry out cross-examinations and people's right to their good name will be protected. I suggest our phraseology would not give an opt out clause to the commission but would make it more workable, practicable and sensible in the medium term. It is clear the Minister of State will not make my day but we will do our best.