New rules to speed up tribunal

LEGAL teams at the Donegal garda corruption probe are facing new rules to speed up the inquiry, it emerged yesterday.

Mr Justice Frederick Morris, tribunal chairman, has banned oral objections and applications, limited cross-examination and demanded all witnesses are treated with respect to halt the inquiry’s alarming lack of progress.

He said constant and unnecessary interruptions, lengthy questioning and repetition of evidence were destroying the work of the tribunal.

The current module, probing the death of Donegal cattle dealer Richie Barron, has run for 106 days, with the last two witnesses being quizzed for a total of seven weeks.

“This is insupportable if the tribunal is to fulfil its mandate of reporting on the situation in the Donegal garda division with expedition,” he said.

Mr Justice Morris, former President of the High Court, said the five-point ruling was even-handed and aimed at all parties, including his own legal team.

A key witness at the inquiry, Frank McBrearty Jnr, has been warned over “unfair and unworthy” criticisms of the inquiry’s lawyers and sessions have been adjourned after witnesses were branded liars.

The Morris Tribunal opened more than two and a half years ago and has led to a number of senior gardaí leaving the force. It is expected to sit for at least another two years.

The following rules will be enforced from the resumption of hearings:

Oral applications will be banned; instead they must be offered in writing.

Evidence of any party may not be interrupted; again objections must be submitted in writing.

Cross-examination will be limited; tribunal lawyers will have three days, with one-hour re-examination, while other parties will have no more than one day.

The right to cross-examine witnesses will also be restricted to those attacked during evidence.

Shouting at witnesses, name calling and abuse will not be tolerated.