Bid to cut tribunal costs through commissions

COMMISSIONERS appointed to investigate matters of public interest will hear evidence in private without legal representation, a bill published yesterday proposes.

The Commissions of Investigations Bill published by Justice Minister Michael McDowell aims to establish a new method of investigating important matters at a fraction of the cost of tribunals.

The most contentious issue is likely to be a provision encouraging commissioners to facilitate voluntary co-operation by witness to be heard in private.