Vol. 520 No. 3
17 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the investigation into the transfer of a liquor licence by a judge (details supplied), during a court hearing, to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15503/00]
As the Deputy will be aware the inquiry is being conducted by the Hon. Mr. Justice Francis Murphy of the Supreme Court. The inquiry was set up under the terms of section 21 of the Courts of Justice (District Court) Act, 1946. Subsection (b)(ii) of this section states "the Judge so appointed may conduct the investigation or inquiry in such manner as he thinks proper ........ and for this purpose shall have all such powers, rights and privileges as are vested in a Judge of the High Court on the occasion of an action."
My Department is co-operating fully with the Inquiry but the Deputy will note that under the above mentioned terms I cannot, with propriety, comment on the conduct of an independent judicial inquiry, nor am I in a position to give a timescale for its completion.
