The Government expects that the Taxing Master, Mr James Flynn, will today clarify or withdraw his controversial remarks of March 16th in which he described tribunals of inquiry as "Frankensteins" of modern society and "star chambers".
Mr Flynn is due to make his first appearance in the High Court this morning after a week's leave.
He was strongly criticised by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, and the Opposition. Ms Harney described his comments as "unwarranted" and "clearly offensive" to the Oireachtas, the judges presiding over the tribunals and previous members of the judiciary who presided over them.
In an unprecedented move, the Government contacted the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Morris, through the Attorney General, to express its view that Mr Flynn's remarks were inappropriate.
In a further sign of the seriousness of the row, the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, contacted the Chief Justice to suggest that the new judicial ethics regime should cover court officers, including the Taxing Master. The judicial ethics committee, which was established in April 1999, has been examining structures for a new ethical commission which will police judicial conduct and deal with complaints against judges. A Government spokesman said last night the Attorney General would make a full report on the matter to the Cabinet today.
The Taxing Master is an officer of the High Court and a public servant. His position is underpinned by the Court Officers Act 1926. He can be dismissed only by the Chief Justice and the President of the High Court.
The Labour Party has tabled a private members' motion to be debated in the Dail next week calling on the Government to dissociate itself from the Taxing Master's remarks.