Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the progress of the Smithwick tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5745/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Smithwick Tribunal was established 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 in May 2005 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 Tribunal is in an investigative phase at present. Although it is not possible to indicate a completion date at this point, I have no doubt that the Tribunal's Chairman is fully cognisant of the need for the Tribunal to fulfil its mandate as expeditiously as possible.