Judge Flood gives reassurances on tribunal secretariat over leaks to media

The chairman of the tribunal inquiring into planning matters, Mr Justice Flood, has publicly distanced his secretariat from a series of leaks to the media.

In a statement he said that a number of press reports had created the impression that confidential information furnished to the tribunal had been disclosed by it to the media.

This was not true, he added. "The sole member is satisfied that no documentation or information furnished to this tribunal in confidence has been disclosed to any third party by the tribunal".

Mr Justice Flood said he was aware "certain parties" who had provided information to the inquiry, or who might be under investigation by it, had made direct disclosures to the media. He continued: "The tribunal wishes to make it clear that it does not welcome the statements or disclosures, which do not assist in its work, and are not in the public interest."

The statement added: "While there is a public duty upon any person who has information or evidence in relation to any inappropriate disclosure of information by the tribunal to come forward, no person has done so".

The chairman was responding to a report in yesterday's Irish Independent which claimed that plans for the tribunal to start public hearings next month had been jeopardised by a row over leaks.

Mr Justice Flood said it was important to avoid disclosure of confidential information before the public sittings.