MR Justice McCracken, the High Court judge who will chair the tribunal of inquiry into payments to politicians by Dunnes Stores, has taken the first steps towards establishing the Government ordered investigation.
He yesterday appointed the tribunal's legal team, which is to consist of Mr Denis McCullough SC, Mr Michael Collins SC and Mr Tony Aston BL.
The solicitor to the tribunal is Mr John Lawless from the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the registrar is Ms Annette O'Connell.
A Government spokesman has confirmed that the tribunal will sit in Dublin Castle.
As sole member of the tribunal, the judge is now expected to place advertisements in newspapers giving notice that the tribunal will soon get under way.
Government sources could not put a date on when the tribunal will actually sit, but it is understood that the collation of relevant documentation will begin immediately.
All those giving evidence before the tribunal are entitled to legal representation.
There is no approximate estimation of the length of time the investigation may take.