Three barristers to join tribunal

The Government has announced the appointment of three barristers to sit alongside Mr Justice Flood at the Flood tribunal.

The appointment of two new chairpersons and a substitute will enable the tribunal to begin hearings into controversial allegations about planning in Dublin, probably after the next election.

Mr Alan Mahon SC and Ms Mary Faherty SC will be appointed as full members of the tribunal, bringing its membership to three. Mr Gerald Keys BL will be appointed as a reserve member. It is intended that he will become a full member of the tribunal in the event that any existing member, for any reason, is unable to act.

As predicted, the three barristers will be appointed as circuit court judges as part of their move to the tribunal. This will require special legislation to increase the number of ordinary judges of the circuit court to 24 to 27.

Mr Justice Flood originally asked for extra members last June, but the Government says it has experienced great difficulties in finding lawyers willing to serve on the tribunal. Fine Gael has accused it of delaying the appointments.