Govt to consider appointing lay assistants to Flood

The Government is to consider appointing lay people to assist Justice Fergus Flood in his inquiries into planning irregularities.

Months after Justice Flood requested assistance, there is still no sign of it arriving.

The Government's search for a further two full-time members and a substitute has turned up a blank.

The Government has not yet looked overseas for suitable members, but now may consider appointing a barrister or even a lay person.

As the coalition examines its options, the Attorney General Michael McDowell is to consult with opposition parties on their ideas.

In the meantime, the Flood Tribunal is faced with the prospect of taking even longer to complete its work.