Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Senator Walsh has undertaken very extensive and thorough research on the cost of tribunals and has done so in a non-partisan way. In addition, he has made the findings of that research available to us. He has endeavoured on several occasions to generate interest in the matter which has been touched on here, particularly on the Order of Business. We all understand there are constraints on Members of the Oireachtas in discussing an issue such as this because it was the Oireachtas which set up the tribunals. No party wants to put its head above the parapet on the issue, lest it will be offside. I do not think we are serving the interests of ordinary citizens in being cowed or overawed in this way. Particularly at a time when we are suffering economic deprivation, each and every legislator should endeavour to find ways and means of helping. It is particularly true that the legal profession has done exceptionally well out of the tribunals which have taken on a life of their own.