Government Statement on the Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Dunnes Payments)
The Government at its meeting today (Thursday, 28th August 1997) welcomed the findings contained in the Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Dunnes Payments).
Arising from these findings, the Government decided that further issues now arise which require investigation.
It was decided that such investigations can best and most speedily be undertaken by a Tribunal of Inquiry established under the Tribunals of Inquiries Acts 1921/1979 and there was some preliminary consideration of the possible terms of reference of such Tribunal. It is now intended that the Government will consult with political parties with a view to achieving agreement on such terms of reference.
While acknowledging the complexity of the issues involved with the consequent care required in drafting such terms of reference, the Government is, nonetheless, anxious that these are finalised quickly and that a new Tribunal be established as speedily as possible.
To this end, the Government decided that the administrative team and facilities supporting the current Tribunal will remain in place to serve the new Tribunal.
It is also the Government's wish that the McCracken Tribunal pursue its appeal of the decision of the Grand Court in the Cayman Islands in relation to the Ansbacher accounts.
Finally, the Government reiterated its commitment to establish expeditiously by legislation a permanent body, such as a Public Ethics Commission. It will be capable of investigating, with the assistance of all the resources of the State, any accusations of public impropriety that appear to have substance or prima-facie evidence to support them.
28 August 1997