Moriarty Tribunal to conclude in New Year

The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that The Moriarty Tribunal will have completed its work in the New Year.

The Moriarty Tribunal resumed hearing evidence this year in its inquiry into the awarding of the State's second mobile phone licence in 1996.

Brian Cowen has also confirmed that an 8 % cut in legal fees at the tribunal, introduced last March, has been applied.

But the Taoiseach wouldn't be drawn on the final cost of the inquiry.

"I can't say what the final figure will be, but… obviously it's coming to an end" he said.

"Whether it reaches €38m or €39m remains to be seen - I can't say," he added.