Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Since their establishment, new legislation has been introduced which allows these issues to be addressed in a more expeditious and less costly way and still be as effective. This is an important development.

I am appalled to think that the tribunals will operate to a completely different standard to that of our courts. Hearsay evidence is not permitted in our courts. However, such evidence is not only accepted in tribunals of inquiry, it is encouraged. People who have done wrong should be held accountable but they should not be held up for public ridicule for such a prolonged period without an adjudication being made. Their good names should not be besmirched before the reports of the tribunals are published.

Justice delayed is justice denied. It has been eight years since some of the tribunals were established and the situation is wholly unacceptable. The time has come to have a rational debate on how best to bring the tribunals to a satisfactory conclusion without concealing anything they must investigate.