In response to the positions of the Opposition leaders, I would like to say a few words about this matter on which I have reflected overnight. Everybody in this House has a duty to do everything in their power to uphold the highest standards of a democracy and to keep this Republic free of any taint or suggestion of venality. We are all deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday's events when issues which were in the public domain were confirmed. There are no parallels in the annals of our democracy. By acting resolutely and without fear or favour we must restore pride and confidence in our democracy which we will do so that any damage caused by yesterday's revelation will be properly and swiftly repaired.
The McCracken tribunal set up by the House on 7 February, five months ago, will report over the summer and will complete its worked sometime before 30 September. Last week it stated publicly its view that the tribunal should continue and complete the task in accordance with the present terms of reference. When we have the report with the conclusions and recommendations, which the Government said in its programme for Government it is committed to implementing, we will see if there are matters which require a further tribunal or need to be addressed in another way, individually or in a broader context.
Two issues arise so far, including the issue of Mr. Charles J. Haughey. He has not come before the tribunal and is entitled to do so in accordance with the rights of natural justice. The comprehensiveness of his evidence to the tribunal will be important to this House.
As regards the Ansbacher issues, the tribunal stated last week that "evidence has yet to be given in relation to the operation of the Ansbacher deposits, how and why they came into existence and so forth. It does not seem to the tribunal that decisions in terms of the scope of inquiries such as this should be taken until all the evidence has been given and I have reported to the Oireachtas. At that point, the Oireachtas will be in a much better position to judge what steps it wishes to take, which steps are entirely a matter for the Oireachtas and not for the tribunal." We should await those matters until the tribunal reports. There may be other issues, including Revenue. The issue will arise as to whether Revenue is satisfied that it has the powers under its present remit to deal with all aspects and it should be consulted on whatever we do.
The tribunal will also report on another important matter. It will report on the considerations, motives and circumstances, which it was asked to do. It will have to report on whether the admitted contributions in any way influenced Government policy and if other favours were sought or given as recompense. Having said that, when we receive the report whatever matters need to be investigated will be. I give that commitment to the House. As soon as I have the report, I will consult with the party leaders because it is a matter for this House. The tribunal was set up by the House and the report will be given to the Clerk, if I recall correctly what we agreed on 6 February. I have no difficulty in agreeing to a resumption of the Dáil within a reasonable period, whether ten days or two weeks. I ask the House to accept my word on this matter and that we deal with it on that basis.
