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07/04/2008
Ahern Proposes Tribunal Overhaul
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said hearings such as the Mahon Tribunal should answer to Oireachtas.
Mr Ahern spoke out last week about the treatment of his former secretary at the tribunal who had been reduced to tears during cross examination. Mr Ahern labelled her treatment as "appaling", and has said tribunals should now be made accountable to a cross-party Oireachtas committee — a suggestion the opposition last night dismissed as "absolute nonsense".
Mr Ahern drew comparisons between his troubles with the Mahon Tribunal, which is looking at his past finances, and that of former US president Bill Clinton, who lost his presidency after investigation by independent counsel Kenneth Starr.
"No one should be free from objective and fair scrutiny when they are in such positions of power. Everybody has to be accountable to somebody," Mr Ahern said of the tribunals.
"We have to learn lessons from the United States. After the Ken Starr inquisition of Bill Clinton, a review of the role of independent counsel was set up... In my view, the time has come for a review of important aspects of tribunals in this country."
But a Labour spokesperson said such a move "would defeat the whole purpose of the exercise".
"The principle is that they are independent in the discharge of their duties, and if you make a tribunal answerable in any respect to an Oireachtas committee, the Government will have a majority on that committee, making the tribunal in effect answerable to the Government."
Mr Ahern is thought to have offered his premature resignation under pressure from revelations begot at the Mahon Tribunal hearings.
(DW/JM)
Mr Ahern spoke out last week about the treatment of his former secretary at the tribunal who had been reduced to tears during cross examination. Mr Ahern labelled her treatment as "appaling", and has said tribunals should now be made accountable to a cross-party Oireachtas committee — a suggestion the opposition last night dismissed as "absolute nonsense".
Mr Ahern drew comparisons between his troubles with the Mahon Tribunal, which is looking at his past finances, and that of former US president Bill Clinton, who lost his presidency after investigation by independent counsel Kenneth Starr.
"No one should be free from objective and fair scrutiny when they are in such positions of power. Everybody has to be accountable to somebody," Mr Ahern said of the tribunals.
"We have to learn lessons from the United States. After the Ken Starr inquisition of Bill Clinton, a review of the role of independent counsel was set up... In my view, the time has come for a review of important aspects of tribunals in this country."
But a Labour spokesperson said such a move "would defeat the whole purpose of the exercise".
"The principle is that they are independent in the discharge of their duties, and if you make a tribunal answerable in any respect to an Oireachtas committee, the Government will have a majority on that committee, making the tribunal in effect answerable to the Government."
Mr Ahern is thought to have offered his premature resignation under pressure from revelations begot at the Mahon Tribunal hearings.
(DW/JM)
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27 July 2017
Govt Urged To Remove The Threat Of Workplace Tribunal Fees
SIPTU has called on the Government to remove the threat of workplace tribunal fees. Following a landmark ruling in the UK, which found that these charges mitigate against workers bringing such cases, the Government has been urged to amend legislation in order to remove the possibility of a minister introducing workplace tribunal fees.
Govt Urged To Remove The Threat Of Workplace Tribunal Fees
SIPTU has called on the Government to remove the threat of workplace tribunal fees. Following a landmark ruling in the UK, which found that these charges mitigate against workers bringing such cases, the Government has been urged to amend legislation in order to remove the possibility of a minister introducing workplace tribunal fees.
02 April 2008
Ahern Wins High Court Hinder Of Tribunal
Bertie Ahern has won two significant victories over the Mahon Tribunal, hindering its powers. The Taoiseach's lawyers hammered out two major concessions at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday, which could have a significant impact on the hearing.
Ahern Wins High Court Hinder Of Tribunal
Bertie Ahern has won two significant victories over the Mahon Tribunal, hindering its powers. The Taoiseach's lawyers hammered out two major concessions at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday, which could have a significant impact on the hearing.
01 April 2008
Ahern's Mahon Tribunal Challenge Begins At High Court
The Irish Taoiseach’s challenge to the Mahon Tribunal is due to begin on Tuesday. Bertie Ahern is taking the Tribunal to the High Court in an effort to restrict the tribunal’s scope to investigate, and to gain access to some of the tribunal’s own privy information.
Ahern's Mahon Tribunal Challenge Begins At High Court
The Irish Taoiseach’s challenge to the Mahon Tribunal is due to begin on Tuesday. Bertie Ahern is taking the Tribunal to the High Court in an effort to restrict the tribunal’s scope to investigate, and to gain access to some of the tribunal’s own privy information.
29 May 2008
Ahern Back At Mahon For Three Day Hearing
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to appear again before the Mahon Tribunal next week to answer questions about lodgements to his accounts. The inquiry has set aside three days in total to hear from the former Taoiseach, including Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday for Mr Ahern's appearance.
Ahern Back At Mahon For Three Day Hearing
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to appear again before the Mahon Tribunal next week to answer questions about lodgements to his accounts. The inquiry has set aside three days in total to hear from the former Taoiseach, including Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday for Mr Ahern's appearance.
02 April 2008
Bye Bye Bertie
The Irish Taoiseach has announced he will resign amidst an array of controversy over his financial affairs. Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
Bye Bye Bertie
The Irish Taoiseach has announced he will resign amidst an array of controversy over his financial affairs. Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
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