Taoiseach denies any scandal over Smithwick Tribunal

THE TAOISEACH denied a claim by the Fianna Fáil leader that the withholding of information from the Dáil about the Smithwick Tribunal represented “a significant scandal’’.

Enda Kenny said he did not believe there was any scandal involved in complying with the conditions of a Dáil motion setting up the tribunal, which had been sitting for more than six years, and requiring it to produce an interim report.

“It is only right and proper that while respecting absolutely the right of the sole chair and his independence in doing his job, at the same time the taxpayer, who funds this, should be entitled to a progress report at intervals as to how the tribunal is doing its work,” he added.

Mr Kenny also said that if Mr Justice Peter Smithwick came back in the autumn with reasons why he was unable to conclude his report within a particular time, it was a matter for the House to make a decision on the matter.

“There is absolutely no intent whatsoever of interfering with the work and the responsibilities of the judge in this tribunal,” he added.

Micheál Martin said it had been revealed the Government had in its possession very serious letters from Mr Justice Smithwick which were deliberately withheld from the Dáil.

He said that Mr Kenny and Minister for Justice Alan Shatter were asked to provide any background materials or documents that gave rise to Mr Shatter’s decision to change the tribunal’s terms of reference.

“We asked for the documents but none were forthcoming,” Mr Martin added.

“The documents were withheld from members”

In had emerged in the aftermath of the Dáil debate on the matter that the most serious concerns had been raised by the tribunal chairman in respect of the Minister’s actions, said Mr Martin.