Curtin inquiry gets back to work

THE Oireachtas committee probing the conduct of Judge Brian Curtin met for the first time in 18 months last night and discussed how to proceed with its inquiry.

The all-party committee had suspended its work in late 2004 after Judge Curtin launched a legal challenge, claiming it was acting unconstitutionally.

But the Supreme Court this month ruled in favour of the committee, thereby allowing it to resume its work.

At last night’s meeting, the committee held what were described as “informal discussions” about the recent letter it received from Judge Curtin’s solicitors.

In the letter, Judge Curtin consented to handing over his personal computer. But it is understood he also suggested the committee should cover the legal costs he has incurred to date, despite the fact that those costs arose largely from his efforts to prevent the committee’s inquiry proceeding.

If that request were granted, it means the taxpayer would foot the bill for Judge Curtin, who was acquitted of having child pornography in April 2004 after the warrant used to seize his computer was found to be out of date.

However, it is thought likely that the committee will resist the attempt by Judge Curtin to recoup legal costs.

The committee will meet again today for further discussion of its likely response to the letter. Committee members will also attempt to lay out the “course of action” and timeframe for the inquiry, a source said.

Meanwhile, committee chairman, Fianna Fáil TD Denis O’Donovan, has said it will likely draw up its own panel of computer experts to assist the inquiry.

It emerged on Monday that Judge Curtin’s legal team may call on a leading British investigative journalist to give evidence on his behalf.

Mr O’Donovan, speaking prior to the committee reconvening, said it would rely on its own experts in relation to complex areas of computer and web technology.

He stressed that he had no problem with the journalist, Duncan Campbell, giving evidence, but said that the committee could not rely on his testimony alone.

Mr Campbell has given evidence in a number of similar cases in Britain.

The committee comprises seven TDs and senators drawn from the across the political spectrum.

It will report back to the Oireachtas once its inquiry is complete. The Oireachtas will then decide whether to impeach Judge Curtin.