Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Dunne inquiry costs €20 million; her views on the lack of public sessions, the lack of a special adviser, and the lack of press media briefings by the chairperson had a negative part to play in the result in this jurisdiction of the Dunne report; if there are lessons to be learned as regards future inquiries such as this; the steps necessary to prevent a repeat of this fiasco; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10275/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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To the end of December 2004, the total cost of the post mortem inquiry was approximately €20 million. Total legal and administrative costs were approximately €11 million. The remainder of the costs include establishment and office rental costs of €2.29 million, grants to the former eastern regional health authority of just over €5 million, grants to Parents for Justice, PFJ, organisation of €977,210 and legal fees to Kelly Noone, solicitors for PFJ, of €800,942. Subject to the terms of reference, the conduct of the inquiry was a matter for the chairman to determine. On 31 March last, I received the report of the inquiry in relation to paediatric hospitals. The report is being examined by my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.