Vol. 559 No. 1
291 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress which has been made in the investigation into the bogus chiefs scandal (details supplied); if the legal advice from the Attorney General has been obtained; if the inquiry into the bogus chiefs will now proceed; if so, the form of same; when it will commence; and if its findings will be published. [25904/02]
A chief of the name is a person recognised by the Chief Herald of Ireland as the most senior known male descendant of the last inaugurated, or de facto, chief of that name in Gaelic Ireland at the end of the sixteenth century. Such recognition is always provisional upon no more senior representative emerging. It amounts to no more than recognition of a genealogical fact and does not confer, confirm or imply any rights in law or any particular status or title.
The Chief Herald is dealing with a number of cases where recognition of chiefs of the name was granted in the past. Legal advice was sought and received from the Attorney General's Office on aspects of the cases. The examination by the Chief Herald which was at a preliminary stage only when the legal issues arose cannot be concluded until the legal advice has been considered.
