Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the McMurrow Statutory Commission of Investigation will issue its report; and if this report will be published. [16866/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The McMorrow Commission of Investigation is a statutorily independent body, the legislative basis for which is the Commissions of Investigation Act, 2004. As such, the scheduling of its work programme is a matter for its Chairperson, Ms Grainne McMorrow SC. Notwithstanding that, it is my understanding that she expects to have completed her report on the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Douch and other related matters early next year.

Under Section 38 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is generally required to publish the report of a Commission as soon as possible following its submission to him. However if the Minister considers that the contents of a report might prejudice criminal proceedings then he must apply to the Courts for direction. The question of publication then becomes a matter for the Courts.