Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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876. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the implications for the taxpayer following on from the recent Redmond High Court judgment; his views on the amount the final bill will be in view of the fact that the Mahon tribunal has written to parties named in its report informing them that adverse findings against them have been withdrawn with immediate effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1050/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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The Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments (the Mahon Tribunal) was established in October 1997 and published its Final Report in March 2012. The work of the Tribunal at present is largely focused on the settlement of third-party and court costs incurred during the work of the Tribunal.

My Department was advised by the Chairman of the Tribunal in M ay 2014 that the estimated final cost of the Tribunal would be approximately €159 million once all costs have been agreed and paid. This estimate was prepared in accordance with standard accounting practice and the agreed protocol on legal fees, on the assumption that all parties involved with the Tribunal, and who were entitled to apply for their costs, would receive all of their costs. It includes the settlement of such cases as the legal challenge referred to. The costs claimed by the party concerned (or indeed any other party) are subject to agreement or settlement with legal cost accountants, the State Claims Agency or, where necessary, a Taxing Master of the High Court.

It should also be noted that the successful challenge by the party concerned to part of the content of Mr Justice Flood's Third Interim Report has no bearing, impact or relevance to the content or findings of the Tribunal's Final Report.