Call for Dunne payments inquiry

THE PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, renewed her call in the Dail yesterday for a public inquiry into the controversy surrounding payments…

THE PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, renewed her call in the Dail yesterday for a public inquiry into the controversy surrounding payments made by Mr Ben Dunne to politicians. Given that the current investigation had made so little progress, she asked if the Government would consider bringing forward a motion to establish a tribunal of inquiry.

The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said the inquiry was ongoing and he did not believe any member of the House had sufficient information to make the kind of statement made by Ms Harney. When the report from Judge, Buchanan became available, it would be furnished to the appropriate committee of the House.

Asked by Ms Harney how long this would take, Mr Bruton said he could not say. "Judge Buchanan, in the first instance, is the person who will be able to determine the length of time he requires for the task he has been given."

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Michael O'Regan

Michael O'Regan

Michael O’Regan is a former parliamentary correspondent of The Irish Times