Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I, too, welcome the Minister to the House. I thank him for the fair outline he has given on this matter. I support fully what he said and what Senator Bacik said. Extensive investigations have taken place in private. I know matters are very sensitive and it is unfortunate that there has been some misrepresentation of the position. I hope that does not adversely affect the public hearings or the witnesses who may have to come forward and who, no doubt, have been interviewed. I hope matters will work out satisfactorily. A date has been set for the public hearings. There is no imposition that cannot be met. In fact, it is rather fair. I am sure Mr. Justice Smithwick is very happy with matters while he may not be happy with the misrepresentation.

What is outlined here is reasonable. The Minister has made it clear that if, due to unforeseen circumstances, there is a delay the tribunal will communicate with the Oireachtas and the matter can be dealt with. Given the indication from Mr. Justice Smithwick, to which the Minister has referred, I do not think that will happen. This approach best protects the public interest and does not impose a substantive additional requirement or place an undesirable burden on the tribunal.

Given these circumstances, we should be calm about this matter. The Opposition may have been well intentioned. I do not impugn their motives. However, this is a most reasonable proposal and will be acceptable all round. I commend it to the House.