Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2010
92 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he will take suggestions from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service which will view the two expert reports on the banking crisis in May 2010; if he will use those suggestions to form the terms of reference for the banking inquiry commission; if all parties will get an opportunity to give feedback on these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11451/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra97 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has decided on the membership of the commission of inquiry; if he will take suggestions from political parties in the Houses of the Oireachtas on suitable members for the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11452/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 97 together.
As the Deputies are aware, the result of the Governor of the Central Bank's investigation, as well as the report by Mr. Klaus Regling and Mr Max Watson will provide the basis for identifying the further specific issues that need to be examined further by the Commission of Investigation. Thereafter, following consideration of the reports from the Governor and Messrs Regling and Watson, I will bring proposals to Government, on the establishment of a statutory Commission of Investigation, under the provisions of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.
As I made clear in my Statement on 19 January, the Oireachtas will be involved at each stage of the planned inquiry process as follows:
the Finance and Public Service Committee has already met both the Governor and the independent expert at the outset of their work to be briefed on the members' priorities for investigation;
the two preliminary reports, when completed, will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Oireachtas Committee will be invited to consider the findings of the reports;
the terms of reference and draft Government Order to establish the statutory Commission of Investigation will be laid before the Oireachtas; and
the report of the Commission of Investigation will, when completed, be laid before the Oireachtas for further consideration by the Committee. It is open to the Committee to hold public hearings on the Report.
As far as the issue of the membership of the Commission of Inquiry is concerned, this matter will be considered by Government in due course.
