THE TRIBUNAL of Inquiry (Dunnes Payments) was set up on February 7th, 1997, by the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, following a resolution passed by the Oireachtas the previous day.
The terms of reference of the tribunal are to inquire urgently into, and report to the Clerk of the Dail and make such findings and recommendations as it sees fit, in relation to the following definite matters of urgent public importance:
(a)all payments in case or in kind directly or indirectly whether authorised or unauthorised within or without the State which were made to or received by
(i)persons who were between 1 January 1986 and 31 Dec 1996 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas
(i)persons who were between 1 January 1986 and 31 Dec 1996 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas
(ii)their relatives or connected persons as defined in the Ethics and Public Office Act 1995
(iii) political parties, from Dunnes Holding Company and/or any associated enterprises as defined in the Schedule hereto and/or Mr Ben Dunne or any person on his behalf or any companies, trusts or other entities controlled directly or indirectly by Mr Ben Dunne between Jan 1 1986 and Dec 31 1996 and the considerations, motives and circumstances therefore
(b)Such further matters as Dail Eireann and Seanad Eireann might by further Resolution consider appropriate to refer to the tribunal because they require further investigation, relating to the tribunal because they require further investigation, relating to other payments made to "Relevant Persons or Entities" within the meaning of the Agreement dated the 9th Day of December 1996, made between the Government and Dunnes Holding Company, following receipt by the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann of any further report from the Independent Person appointed pursuant to the said Agreement whereupon such report shall be laid before both Houses of the Oireaehtas immediately on its receipt."
Mr Justice Brian McCracken was appointed as sole member of the tribunal. The tribunal also has a legal team, headed by Mr Denis McCullough SC.