I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together.
The question of the extension of the terms of reference of the Morris tribunal to cover the tragic event in question was raised by the person concerned and by Members of the House around the time of the establishment of the tribunal. I also understand that it was the subject of a request under the Freedom of information Act which was dealt with in accordance with the provisions of that Act.
At the time I indicated that the circumstances surrounding the fire, including matters referred to in the letter from the person concerned, were raised at the time of the original investigation and that no evidence of criminality was found. The person concerned and the Deputies who made representations on his behalf were told that if he had further new information or additional material in his possession, this should be made available to the Garda authorities or to the Garda Complaints Board to whom any complaint about the manner in which the Garda investigation was conducted should ordinarily be addressed.
With regard to any extension of the terms of reference of the Morris tribunal, the position is that the existing terms of reference were adopted by the Houses of the Oireachtas as both definite, as required by the legislation, and comprehensive and are based on the recommendations of Mr. Shane Murphy, SC. It is not proposed to seek to extend them at this stage but it is open to the tribunal to seek an extension if it believes that the existing terms of reference constrain it from inquiring into a related definite matter of public importance.