Taoiseach ready to work with Opposition to expedite Mahon

The Taoiseach said he was prepared to discuss with opposition parties ways of speeding up the work of the Mahon tribunal.

Mr Ahern was responding to questions on what action the Government proposed, given that the tribunal could continue for another 11 years.

He said that the Government would have to examine the report.

"I would be prepared for us to sit down collectively to examine what modules we, as members of this House, consider are important. I do not believe it is only a matter for the Government."

Mr Ahern suggested that some modules did not need investigation, or could be referred to a committee of the House. "I would certainly be prepared to do that. It seems to be the sensible way to proceed. The process will have no credibility if we continue on this path."

The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, had asked if Mr Ahern had any plans to expedite the matter, as the public was growing weary of it week after week. "Many back garden patios will be built in the next 11 years if it continues at this rate."

The Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, asked why the files could not be referred to the Garda fraud squad, or equip it to take what actions it considered appropriate.

The Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, said the tribunals were effectively viewed "as long-winded whitewash, as prosecutions are unlikely, given the amount of cotton wool that surrounds the various witnesses."

Mr Ahern said he had been told in 1998 that he would get the report in three months. "It seems that 2016 may also pass before we get it."

He added that he knew from his experience that it was not easy to remember what happened in 1988 and '89.

"By the time the tribunal approaches 2018, I hope I will not be recalled, because I probably definitely will not remember much."