Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the three most recent reports received from Mr. Justice Morris; when it is expected that they will be published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The resolution which led to the establishment of the Morris Tribunal was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 28 March 2002. It requires the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, within 14 days of receipt of any report from the Tribunal, either to apply to the High Court for directions regarding its publication or arrange to have it laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The terms of that resolution are reflected in the legal instrument establishing the Tribunal.

I recently received the third, fourth and fifth reports of the Morris Tribunal. Having concluded that publication of the reports might prejudice criminal proceedings, I applied to the High Court for directions as to publication under section 3 of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act, 2002. The High Court directed that the application be heard otherwise than in public as provided for in that section. I am precluded from disclosing what transpired during the course of those proceedings other than to say that they were held on notice to the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the person who is the defendant in the criminal proceedings.

Having considered the relevant submissions, including copies of the reports themselves, the President of the High Court ordered that all three reports should not be published until the Court otherwise directs. It is not possible for me to give an indication of when they might be published at this stage.