Limerick East): First, I should like to thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Ceann Comhairle and the Opposition Party for facilitating me in this matter.
Deputies will be generally aware of the serious matters of public importance that have arisen in the so-called "Kerry babies" case. I now wish to inform the House that the inquiry ordered by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána has been inconclusive and has not succeeded in clearing up the conflicting versions of the events at the heart of this matter. Accordingly, the Government have today decided to establish a tribunal under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts, 1924 and 1979, to carry out a sworn inquiry into the matter. The precise terms of reference of the inquiry will be included in a motion that I propose to introduce in the Dáil on Tuesday next and subsequently in the Seanad. The intention is to invite a High Court Judge to conduct the inquiry.
