Posted online: Nov 4th, 2009

The Morris Tribunal will cost Irish taxpayers more than €80m and not the €70m previously thought, it has emerged.
Reports this week confirmed that of the €80m figure, legal fees will account for just under €52m.
The tribunal into garda misconduct in Donegal ran from 2002 to 2007 and was chaired by Mr Justice Frederick Morris.
Two senior counsel, Pat Marrinan and Michael Durack, who defended gardaí against allegations of corruption have been named as the major beneficiaries of the tribunal. Both are believed to have received over €2.5m each for their work at the inquiry while the total legal bill for the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochana comes to €8m.
The report found that gardaí arrested and unlawfully detained several people during the investigation into the death of Raphoe cattle dealer Richie Barron.
The tribunal was established by the Oireachtas in 2002 following allegations and complaints concerning some gardaí of the Donegal division.
Mr Justice Frederick Morris, a former President of the High Court, was appointed the sole member of the inquiry.