Vol. 574 No. 2
143 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal costs incurred to date by the State in relation to the Laffoy-Ryan commission, set up by order of the Oireachtas and currently running; and the estimated future liability for such costs arising from that commission, particularly in the context of the recent reviews of its operation. [23833/03]
The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act was enacted in April 2000 in response to widespread concern at past child abuse in institutions. The commission has a dual structure to meet the differing needs of victims. On the one hand, there is the investigation committee which hears witnesses who wish to make specific allegations of abuse and see their evidence investigated by the committee. There is also the confidential committee which hears in total confidence the testimony of witnesses who do not wish their allegations to be inquired into.
The legal costs incurred to date by the State amount to €4,102,706.47. These costs do not include the costs of individual hearings before the investigation committee which have yet to be determined. When I commenced the review of the investigation committee of the commission, there was a concern that, were no such review to take place, substantial legal fees, estimated at €200 million, could be incurred, the vast bulk of which would be payable to persons against whom complaints have been made before the investigation committee.
The Government appointed Mr. Seán Ryan SC as chairperson designate of the commission on 26 September 2003. Mr. Ryan has been requested to undertake his own independent review of the commission's work and make recommendations, having regard to the interest of victims of abuse, the completion of the commission's work within a reasonable timeframe and in a manner consistent with a proper investigation and to achieve the aforementioned objectives without incurring exorbitant costs. I expect the outcome of the review shortly.
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 108.
145 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received representations from organisations representing victims of abuse, the Aislinn centre, suggesting that the Government's nominee to replace Ms Justice Laffoy, Mr. Seán Ryan SC, may be compromised due to his previous work as a chairman of the compensation advisory committee; his views on the points made by the Aislinn centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26489/03]
I received a letter from the Aislinn centre in which the leader of that group raised certain concerns regarding a number of issues, one of which relates to the appointment of Mr. Seán Ryan SC as chairperson designate to the commission in view of his previous role as chairperson of the compensation advisory committee.
A detailed response to all of the issues raised in the representations is being prepared and will shortly issue. However, I am satisfied that there is no conflict between Mr. Ryan's previous work as chairperson of the compensation advisory committee and his future role as chairperson of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
