Tribunal 'must clarify' lawyers' fees

SEANAD REPORT:THE MORIARTY tribunal must clarify the extent of fees paid to its lawyers, Jim Walsh (FF) said.

He was alarmed by information put on the record of the Dáil by Michael Lowry.

“It would appear as if costs have been claimed for six days a week for 52 weeks of the year. The tribunal must clarify if that is correct or incorrect, and, if correct, must give an explanation.

“Failure to get that explanation, in my opinion, puts an onus of this House to institute whatever appropriate investigative procedures are necessary to establish what is going on with regard to the calculation of these costs.”

Terry Leyden (FF) said his party colleague had been courageous in raising this issue. It was hard to believe some barristers got €10 million.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (FF) said Mr Walsh was expressing a widespread concern about the tribunals. Parliamentarians should be entitled to raise queries, especially about the cost of them.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said he was seeking all-party support for a motion seeking to limit the costs of such bodies. Parliament could not stand idly by and allow the views of the Supreme Court to go unheeded.

Jerry Buttimer (FG) angrily observed the Government could reduce the fees.

The Labour Party was accused by Minister of State Dara Calleary of exploiting the concerns of public servants by refusing to comment either way on the Croke Park deal; he acknowledged Fine Gael’s support for the deal.

Paschal Donohoe (FG) said Fine Gael believed it was in the best interest of the country that the deal be passed.

John Paul Phelan (FG) said the fate of the deal was now a matter above national politics. “It’s about the future survival of our economy and ensuring that we get back to economic recovery.”

Fiona O’Malley (Ind) said the leadership of the Labour Party had demonstrated it was incapable of standing up to vested interests. She found that party’s position disgusting.