asked the Minister for Justice if he will confirm the terms of reference for the Kerry babies Tribunal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Babies Tribunal.
18.
(Limerick East): The terms of reference of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the “Kerry babies” case were set out in a resolution passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The resolution appears at column 2162 of the Official Report of Dáil Éireann for 11 December 1984.
It is not technically the same question, but will the Minister give an indication at this stage of the total cost of the inquiry? An estimate will do.
That is a totally different question.
(Limerick East): It would be impossible to say.
Does he agree that it is many hundreds of thousands of pounds?
(Limerick East): The enabling legislation which allows the Oireachtas to set up tribunals of this sort has a provision which enables the judge to award costs as he sees fit. Until the judge decides what the appropriate costs are and who should receive costs, we have no idea of what the tribunal will cost.
It could cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.
(Limerick East): I have no idea what it will cost.
The remaining questions will appear on next Wednesday's Order Paper.