asked the Minister for Justice the number of days: (a) Mr. Justice Costello was involved in the Whiddy-Betelguese Inquiry and (b) Mr. Justice Keane in the Stardust Inquiry to date.
Written Answers. - Inquiries Sittings.
496.
Sittings of the tribunal appointed to report on the Whiddy Island disaster commenced on 26 April 1979 and were held on a total of 72 days between then and 20 December 1979. The writing of the report was completed by Mr. Justice Costello on 7 May 1980. The High Court sat on a total of 196 days between 23 April 1979, the first day of the 1979 Easter Term, and 7 May 1980 and High Court records show that Mr. Justice Costello sat in the High Court on 54 days during that period.
The first preliminary hearing of the Stardust Fire Inquiry was held by Mr. Justice Keane on 2 March 1981 and sittings have been held on 106 days since then up to and including 23 October 1981. During that period there were 105 High Court sitting days and Mr. Justice Keane sat in the High Court on 23 days during the months of March and April. Sittings of the tribunal were held on 28 days during the months of April, June, August and September at times when the High Court was on vacation.