Lucinda Creighton
Question:141. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach if the Fennelly report will be published independently of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8820/15]
View answerTuesday, 3 March 2015
Questions (141)
Written answers
In accordance with the relevant provisions in the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, upon conclusion of its investigations the Fennelly Commission will prepare a written report and submit it to me as the specified Minister responsible for receiving its reports. I will then arrange for the report to be published as soon as possible afterwards, subject to the relevant provisions in the Act.
Under its terms of reference, the Commission of Investigation 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 a formal request from the Commission, I agreed to extend the timeframe for the Commission to report until 31 December 2015.
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.
The Report outlines the work completed to that 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.
The submission of any such Interim Report is a matter for the Commission. If such an interim report is received, it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible afterwards, subject to the relevant provisions in the Commissions of Investigation Act.