Vol. 498 No. 6
33 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine legislation in relation to tribunals with a view to possible amendments where bodies are unhelpful and unco-operative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28022/98]
The tribunal of inquiry on payments to Messrs. Charles Haughey and Michael Lowry was appointed by instrument of An Taoiseach dated 26th day of September 1997 pursuant to the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts, 1921 and 1979.
The Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts, 1921 to 1997 provide that a tribunal may make such orders as it considers necessary for the purposes of its functions, and it shall have, in relation to their making, all such powers, rights and privileges as are vested in the High Court or a judge of that court in respect of the making of orders.
The Acts also provide that where a person fails or refuses to comply with or disobeys an order of a tribunal, the High Court may, on application to it in a summary manner in that behalf by the tribunal, order the person to comply with the order and make such other order as it considers necessary and just to enable the order to have full effect.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that mechanisms exist to ensure enforcement of orders made by the tribunal, if required, and that it would be entirely inappropriate for me to interfere with this process.
