Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2015
197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which matters relating to the Mahon tribunal have been concluded and final bills in respect of costs to all parties agreed, discharged or pending; if the tribunal is still ongoing and the basis of same; if further costs to the Exchequer are being incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3218/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments (the Mahon Tribunal) was established in October 1997 and published its Final Report in March 2012. The work of the Tribunal at present is largely focused on the settlement of the remainder of third-party and court costs incurred during the work of the Tribunal. It is anticipated that the day-to-day operations of the Tribunal will be completed during 2015.
My Department was advised by the Chairman of the Tribunal in May 2014 that the estimated final cost of the Tribunal would be approximately €159 million once all costs have been agreed and paid. This estimate was prepared in accordance with standard accounting practice and the agreed protocol on legal fees, on the assumption that all parties involved with the Tribunal, and who were entitled to apply for their costs, would receive all of their costs. The recent settlement (which was the subject of an order of the court) in relation to the successful Redmond challenge against the Tribunal will not have any impact on this estimate. Total expenditure at end 2014 in relation to the Mahon Tribunal amounted to €111.28 million, and it is expected that the majority of the outstanding expenditure will arise during 2015 and 2016.
The total estimate of costs includes settlement in relation to court cases. Along with third party costs claims, these are subject to agreement or settlement with legal cost accountants, the State Claims Agency or, where necessary, a Taxing Master of the High Court.
