asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total amount to be borne by the State of the expenses of the tribunal recently set up to inquire into complaints made by Dr. MacCarvill against Dr. Ward.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Tribunal of Inquiry.
Mr. Corish
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what are the total costs to the Exchequer in connection with the judicial tribunal recently established to inquire into allegations made by Dr. MacCarvill against Dr. Ward, late Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together. I am not yet in a position to state the total cost of the inquiry to the Exchequer. Up to date the expenses claimed, including the representation of the Attorney-General and the attendance of witnesses, amount to £887. The legal cost incurred by Dr. MacCarvill and Dr. Ward in connection with the hearing of the charges by the tribunal will be examined in the manner in which the Taxing Master of the High Court examines a bill of costs in civil proceedings when some of the issues are decided in favour of one party and some in favour of the other. After the examination has been completed I propose to ask the Dáil to meet such portion of Dr. MacCarvill's costs as relate to the hearing of the charges accepted by the tribunal and such portion of Dr. Ward's costs as relate to the charges rejected.
The Dáil will have something to say to that.
That is a most glorious proposition.