Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to seek an interim report from the Smithwick tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32791/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Smithwick Tribunal was established in May 2005 pursuant to the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts 1921-2002, to enquire into suggestions that members of the Garda Síochána or other employees of the State colluded in the fatal shootings of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Bob Buchanan in 1989. The Tribunal was established by the Oireachtas arising from the Weston Park Agreement between the Irish and British Governments in 2001. The Tribunal is chaired by Judge Peter Smithwick.

The Tribunal Chairman is independent in his functions in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The terms of the Resolutions of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann and the Regulation establishing the Tribunal provide for the submission of interim reports to the Clerk of the Dáil. I have no doubt that the Tribunal is fully cognisant of the need to fulfil its mandate as expeditiously as possible.