1 January 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS FOR FLOOD TRIBUNAL JUDGES TO BE APPOINTED

The Green Party has called for the immediate appointment of extra judges to the Flood Tribunal. Last Summer Mr. Justice Flood asked for the appointment of two additional judges to assist him in his work. The Government has so far failed to make these appointments.

“The Flood Tribunal is dealing with controversial re-zonings and allegations of planning corruption in Dublin,” stated Ci arán Cuffe, the Green Party’s Planning Spokesperson. “It is in the public interest that these issues are dealt with prior to the General Election. The public should know as much as possible about candidates  before they cast their vote. Given that some of those against whom allegations have been made may well be candidates in the next election, is important that the work is speeded up.

“Who knows what may be revealed in the evidence of Frank Dunlop and Tom Gilmartin about controversial decisions made in the last ten years?  A six-month delay in the appointment of extra judges is in itself a matter of controversy.

“Several potential Dáil candidates were apparently in receipt of controversial donations. It is important that these individuals give satisfactory answers to their Parties and to the Flood Tribunal as to why such donations were made.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe    087 265 2075 or 618 3082

Stephen Rawson, Press Officer 087 235 7551 or 618 4088