Commissions of Investigation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2015

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Questions (146, 147, 148)

Niall Collins

Question:

146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach when the Fennelly commission of investigation will be completed; when he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49355/14]

Niall Collins

Question:

147. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he or his Department has been requested to extend the terms of reference of the Fennelly commission to include illegal eavesdropping through illegal devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49511/14]

Niall Collins

Question:

148. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied that the terms of reference for the Fennelly commission are broad enough to take into consideration all concerns regarding bugging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49512/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, together.

Following a formal request from the Fennelly Commission of Investigation under section 6 (6) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, I have extended the timeframe for the Fennelly Commission of Investigation to report until 31 December 2015.

Under its terms of reference the Commission had been due to report by the end of 2014, subject to section 6(6) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, which provides for an extension of the timeframe for reporting at the Commission's request.

Following consultation with the Commission, I have also published on my Department's website the Interim Report submitted by the Commission requesting an extension of its timeframe for reporting. Submission of such an Interim Report is a requirement under Section 33(3) of the Act when an extension of the timeframe for its final report is being requested. It outlines the work completed to date by the Commission since its establishment and the work that remains to be done with a view to identifying as accurately as possible the time required to complete its task.

As I previously informed the Dáil, I have also requested the Commission to submit a separate Interim Report in respect of paragraphs 1 (n) and (o) of its terms of reference provided it is satisfied it is feasible and appropriate to do so.

When the Commission's final report is received it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible afterwards, subject to the relevant provisions in the Commission of Investigation Act.

The Commission's terms of reference were appended to the Order that provides for its establishment, the Commission of Investigation (Certain matters relative to An Garda Síochána and other persons) Order 2014, Statutory Instrument Number 192 of 2014, which was debated and approved by the Dail and Seanad in April 2014. I am not aware of any requirement to extend the Commission's terms of reference.