Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the €2.1 million cost into the inquiry involving Leas Cross Nursing Home; and the person who was in receipt of €2.1 million. [28139/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On 24 April 2007, the Government announced its decision to establish a commission of investigation into the management, ownership, and operation of Leas Cross Nursing Home. The Commission of Investigation (Leas Cross Nursing Home) was established on 6 June 2007, under section 3 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. Mr Diarmuid P. O'Donovan, S.C., was appointed as the Sole Member of this Commission. It formally commenced its work in September 2007. The final report was received in June 2009.

Mr O'Donovan was assisted in his work by one solicitor, five barristers at different time intervals, and three clerical / secretarial staff. The total cost for the Commission is expected to be in the region of €2.1 million and includes staffing, accommodation, equipment and third-party legal costs. Invoices paid to 26 March 2009 totalled €1.423 million. This consisted of staffing and associated costs for the Commission of €1.270 million and accommodation and ICT costs of €0.153 million. A number of invoices were received towards the end of the Commission's lifetime which were subject to query before payment. Consequently, a final breakdown of the costs is not yet available. The remaining expenditure will consist mainly of third party legal fees, staffing costs and administration and ICT expenses.