Tribunals of Inquiry.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2005

Tuesday, 12 April 2005

Questions (175)

Jerry Cowley

Question:

212 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Dunne inquiry costs €20 million; her views on the lack of public sessions, the lack of a special adviser, and the lack of press media briefings by the chairperson had a negative part to play in the result in this jurisdiction of the Dunne report; if there are lessons to be learned as regards future inquiries such as this; the steps necessary to prevent a repeat of this fiasco; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10275/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

To the end of December 2004, the total cost of the post mortem inquiry was approximately €20 million. Total legal and administrative costs were approximately €11 million. The remainder of the costs include establishment and office rental costs of €2.29 million, grants to the former eastern regional health authority of just over €5 million, grants to Parents for Justice, PFJ, organisation of €977,210 and legal fees to Kelly Noone, solicitors for PFJ, of €800,942. Subject to the terms of reference, the conduct of the inquiry was a matter for the chairman to determine. On 31 March last, I received the report of the inquiry in relation to paediatric hospitals. The report is being examined by my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.