Vol. 564 No. 5
409 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in relation to the Law Reform Commission's consultation paper on public inquiries, including tribunals of inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10048/03]
I welcome the publication by the Law Reform Commission of a consultation paper on public inquiries, including tribunals of inquiry. It contains a comprehensive review of this subject and a number of provisional recommendations.
As the commission indicated when launching its paper, it is intended to form the basis for discussion and submissions are sought by 1 July. Following this consultation phase, the commission will prepare a report which will contain its definitive recommendations for reform. Therefore, it would be premature of me to offer a substantive comment on the paper at this stage. I look forward to the commission's final recommendations which will be given consideration by me in so far as they come within my area of responsibility.
