Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest information available regarding the progress made by the Smithwick tribunal established by resolution of the Oireachtas in March 2005; when the tribunal intends to commence public hearings; the evidence that has been taken in public; if the tribunal has secured the co-operation of all potential witnesses, particularly those from outside the jurisdiction; if the tribunal intends to publish any interim report on its progress made since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28333/10]

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 Acts. 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 within 10 days of the commencement of oral hearings regarding the granting of representation before the Tribunal, progress to date, likely duration and any other matters which the Tribunal considers appropriate. I am informed that the Tribunal is in an investigative phase at present. It is expected that public hearings will take place later this year. Questions such as whether the Tribunal has secured all the cooperation it requires are matters for the Tribunal itself and will, I have no doubt, be dealt with in the final report.