Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Members for their contributions and for supporting the motion that is before the House.

I cannot help but comment on at least two of those who contributed who stated it would be wrong to rush the work of the tribunal. It is important the tribunal completes its work, although rushing is a concept I cannot quite reconcile with a tribunal that has been sitting since 2005. It is regrettable that this tribunal has sat for as long as has occurred. It is not for me or any Minister in any shape or form to interfere with the work of the tribunal but it is unfortunate that it only commenced its oral hearings in approximately June of last year, having commenced its work in 2005.

I have seen the same reports as Members of the House. It is welcome that some witnesses who, apparently, had indicated to the tribunal they would not give evidence, have given evidence and have come forward. Clearly, that has extended the time spent by the tribunal.

When this matter came before the House in November last, it came on foot of a motion arising out of a letter from the chairman of the tribunal which indicated the work would be complete and the report available to both Houses by 31 May. The motion was proposed in good faith in anticipation that that objective would be achieved.

It is my hope that this tribunal will complete its work and report by 31 October next. In fairness to the bereaved relations of the two RUC officers who so horribly lost their lives, it is important that some finality is brought to this matter and that whatever information is available is made available and whatever conclusions can be reached by the tribunal are reached. I am conscious they say that a particular substantive witness is unwell. We can only hope that that individual ultimately will be well enough to complete the evidence before the tribunal to allow the tribunal to complete its work and furnish its report.

Senator O'Donovan asked about the cost of the tribunal. The estimated cost, as of now, as I am advised, is €9.8 million. It is a substantial and significant sum of money. It would be my understanding there will be issues of costs relating to representation of individuals before the tribunal that may have to be addressed in the future. This is a tribunal that is incurring substantial expense which the taxpayers must pick up. As a tribunal whose work is important, as Senators have said, it is important that we get as close as is possible to the truth of what occurred and that the allegations that have been made that are the subject matter of the tribunal's consideration are fully and properly addressed.

I thank the Members of the Seanad for their support for this motion. It is my hope that on the next occasion matters relating to the Smithwick tribunal come before this House, it may be in the context of Members of the House, by way of debate or statements, considering the report of the tribunal. It is my hope that we will not need to extend the time frame further but I recognise, after so many years have passed with such serious allegations in place, it is important the tribunal completes its work and is enabled to do so.