29/03/2011

Taoiseach To Face Questions On Moriarty

The Irish Premier is expected to respond to questions in a debate on the contentious Moriarty Tribunal report tomorrow.

The Dublin government's list has not yet been finalised, but Edna Kenny (pictured) will be asked to respond to queries on the report and on issues relating to Fine Gael fundraising.

It was earlier reported that during the Dáil debate on its report of the Moriarty Tribunal, the Government are to give 'adequate time' to Independent TD Michael Lowry.

The format for the debate, which will see Pat Rabbitte, Communications Minister answer questions, has been criticised by opposition parties.

Published last week, the Moriarty report followed a 14-year-long tribunal into the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to Esat Digifone in 1996 while Mr Lowry was Communications Minister.

TD Michael Lowry dismissed the claims.

Mr Lowry has been offered two speaking slots by Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe - a personal statement after the opening of the debate, and then an opportunity to respond after Minister Rabbitte answers questions on the report.

Established in 1997, the inquiry looked into the financial affairs of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and former Fine Gael communications Minister Michael Lowry.

This final report investigated the links between businessman Denis O'Brien and Michael Lowry.

The report indicates 'beyond doubt' that Michael Lowry shared information with Denis O'Brien 'of significant value and assistance to him in securing the licence'.

See: Moriarty Tribunal Publishes Final Report

(BMcN/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 July 2003
Police Ombudsman’s report exonerates Chief Constable
The Police Ombudsman has found that a series of complaints made by the former head of Special Branch in Belfast were "unsubstantiated" and that the Chief Constable did not unfairly remove him.
27 February 2006
Minister to receive Garda report on Dublin riot
An initial Garda report into the sectarian riot in Dublin on Saturday is expected to be made to Irish Minister for Justice Michael McDowell later today. Irish police made 42 arrests following the street violence that broke out on Saturday as Ulster loyalists staged a Love Ulster rally and republicans staged a counter protest march.
28 November 2024
Police Investigate Shooting Incident In L'Derry
Detectives are appealing for information after a young man was shot in the Creggan area on Wednesday night, November 27th. Shortly after 10:10 PM, police received a report that the man, in his late teens, had been shot in the leg. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
21 October 2024
Ulster Rugby Stars Back Road Safety Campaign
Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney, and Michael Lowry, three prominent Ulster Rugby players, have joined forces to support a road safety campaign. The trio is backing the Department for Infrastructure's 'Share the Road to Zero' initiative, which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging all road users to prioritize safety.