The Dáil was told today the Smithwick Tribunal will conclude its work and present its final report at the end of May next year.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said this was fully in line with the request of the tribunal chairman. It was hoped, he added, the tribunal could fulfil its mandate within the time frame set out in a motion approved by the Dáil today.
"“However, if an unanticipated difficulty emerges subsequently with the target date for conclusion, I have no doubt that the chairman will report that and that the Oireachtas will have the opportunity to consider the matter further," he added.
The tribunal, which was established in 2005, is investigating allegations of collusion by members of the Garda in the murder by the Provisional IRA of RUC chief superintendent Harry Breen and and superintendent Bob Buchanan in March 1989.
Mr Shatter said it was appropriate that the Oireachtas should be kept appraised of the tribunal’s progress and an interim report fulfilled that.
