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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tribunals of Inquiry.

Finian McGrath

Question:

400 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will broaden the terms of reference of the Morris Tribunal; and if persons (details supplied) will get full legal representation and above all, receive justice. [22208/02]

The terms of reference of the tribunal were decided by the Houses of the Oireachtas and are based on the recommendations of senior counsel. There is provision in the Acts for an extension of the terms of reference upon a request by the tribunal. The question of extending the terms of reference was raised with the tribunal at the preliminary hearing and the tribunal stated that it will consider any arguments, based on evidence, which are put to it. Any request by the tribunal for an amendment will be dealt with by the Government under the terms of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts.

On the question of representation, the position is that the persons concerned were granted the right to full representation at a preliminary hearing of the tribunal in July. There are many parties involved in the matters being inquired into by the tribunal. The scope and nature of these inquiries have been outlined by the tribunal in its comprehensive opening statement in Donegal. It is my view that all concerned should co-operate as fully as possible with the inquiries. Such co-operation is the best means of helping the tribunal to establish the truth and thereby ensure justice for all parties.

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