Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the final reports of the Morris Tribunal which he told the Houses of the Oireachtas on 28 May 2008 were expected in mid June 2008; when it is expected that these reports will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27031/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Mr Justice Morris has produced six excellent and comprehensive reports to date all of which have been published. His seventh and eighth reports are currently awaited by me.

On 1 April 2008 he wrote to my predecessor indicating that he would be in a position to submit those last remaining reports in mid June. However on 13 June he contacted the Secretary General of my Department stating that there would be a delay and that he was not now in a position to present his final two reports until September. He confirmed that in writing on the same day.

Under the instrument establishing the Tribunal I must, save in one exceptional circumstance, arrange to have the reports laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 14 days of receipt. That exceptional circumstance relates to a situation where on receipt of a report I consider that its publication within that timeframe might prejudice any criminal proceedings. In such a case I must apply to the High Court for directions. My predecessors have only had to resort to this procedure once since the Tribunal was established and I am not anticipating that it will arise in the case of the two outstanding reports.