John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 260: To ask the Minister for Finance the likely reduction in costs accruing to the Exchequer by replacing statutory tribunals with private inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The main driver of tribunal costs is legal fees, including those for third parties. Some reduction in costs would therefore be expected if private inquiries served to reduce the level of legal representation at such inquiries.

However, it is not practicable to provide a specific estimate of any reduction in costs because the actual savings accruing to the Exchequer would depend on the nature of the individual inquiries concerned, bearing in mind that on the one hand, some inquiries can best be conducted in public, and on the other that persons attending private hearings may be entitled to claim certain legal representation costs.