Vol. 435 No. 2
81 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the claims by witnesses at the beef tribunal which are still under consideration for payment; the basis on which such expenses are considered for payment given the high cost of the tribunal to date; the likely overall cost; whether his attention has been drawn to the general public disquiet and concern regarding the tribunal's costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Processing and payment of claims by witnesses, other than travel/subsistence claims from civil servants, at the beef tribunal is a matter for the sole member of the tribunal and my Department does not have the information requested in respect of such witnesses. There are no claims for witness expenses outstanding from civil servants.
Pending the presentation of the tribunal report, it is not possible to estimate what the final costs of the tribunal will be as this will depend on how costs will be awarded.
