Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

31 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the discussions the Attorney General has had on behalf of the Oireachtas or on behalf of the Government with representatives of the Flood tribunal regarding the formal request made to the Oireachtas by Mr. Justice Flood on 13 June 2001 for the appointment of two additional persons to be members of the tribunal and for the further appointment of a substitute member; when it is expected that these personnel will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1469/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

On 19 February 2002, the Government announced the names of the new members who are to be appointed to the tribunal of inquiry into certain planning matters and payments under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Feargus Flood. Mr. Alan Mahon SC and Ms Mary Faherty SC will be appointed as full members of the tribunal, bringing the membership of the tribunal to three. Mr. Gerald Keys B.L. will be appointed as a reserve member to sit with the tribunal to hear evidence, with the intention that he will become a full member of the tribunal in the event that any existing member, for any reason, is unable to act.

The appointments will be made as soon as all three are appointed as Circuit Court judges. This will require an amendment of section 10 of the Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995 to increase the number of ordinary judges of the Circuit Court to 27 from 24. It is intended that this legislation will be enacted as a matter of urgency. All three persons will be appointed on foot of an instrument to be signed by me once this amending legislation has been made. The appointees had already been recommended to the Govern ment by the Judicial Appointments Board as ordinary Circuit Court judges.

I understand that the Attorney General notified Mr. Justice Flood of the proposed appointments prior to their announcement.