Idea of tribunal debate rejected

A claim by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore that Dáil rules required a debate on the completion of public hearings of the Mahon tribunal was rejected by Tánaiste Brian Cowen.

Mr Cowen said winding up the tribunal was a matter for the chairman, Judge Alan Mahon.

"I am not aware that any motions are required here. There were motions for its setting up, its independence and functions. It is responsible for its own operations."

Mr Cowen said he welcomed the fact that it seemed the tribunal might well be coming towards the end of the proceedings.

"I respect the chairman's views on that matter, but I do not recall a precedent whereby a motion is required from the House."

He added, however, that he would seek clarification.

Mr Gilmore said members of the House had received a letter from the chairman that it was his intention to conclude public hearings with the Quarryvale module.

The hearings would be concluded by next year, and, therefore, bring the tribunal to a conclusion and issue a report.

Mr Gilmore said a previous agreement of the House anticipated that the tribunal would investigate matters beyond the Quarryvale module. As he understood it, the tribunal was a creature of the House, and its winding up was a matter for the Dáil.

He added that when the tribunal had written to the House in the past there had been a discussion about it on foot of a motion introduced by the Minister for the Environment.

"My recollection is that the last time we discussed this there was a formula agreed for the conclusion of the tribunal's work."