Why the DIRT inquiry was a success

THE DIRT enquiry has been pointed to by the Tánaiste and others as an example of how an enquiry by a Dáil Committee can be successfully conducted.

Whereas the Tánaiste is right to claim some credit for the membership of the Committee, the structure and preparation provided by the Attorney General’s office were key to its success.

I was Attorney General at that time and the constitutional parameters were clearly explained to the participants in advance. In particular, it was understood that findings of fact relating to the central issues could be made and sent in a report to the Dáil for debate. However, findings relating to the responsibility of individuals must be avoided. That is the work of the legal system where the appropriate protections relating to the citizen’s good name exist. A senior counsel was appointed to sit with the chairman of the committee and provide legal direction.