Why are public inquiries so expensive?

ireallydontknow

Irish Times article today revealing leaked information about the Siteserv inquiry. 'The draft report finds that €8 million more could have been realised for the State.' A few sentences later it says, 'The costs of the inquiry could exceed €30 million, and the Dáil has heard claims that the final bill may reach €70 million.' That seems a staggering amount, dwarfing the supposed €8 million undervaluation that was being investigated.

The Chilcott Inquiry in the UK over the Iraq War lasted eight years and cost £13 million, which is comparatively small for a longer inquiry that was of greater significance. Why are these inquiries so expensive (don't just say lawyers are expensive - why are they that expensive?) and are they really worth it?

It is a phenomenon of modern politics that is exacerbated by the media looking for one baddy to blame, the expectations that every public body should not only be heled to account but should be perfect as well, the answer to everything is ...we want an inquiry or a motion of no confidence.

The answer to your question is Barristers, the cost of professional reports, etc.

El Tarangu

Barristers charge about €1k per day, so if a tribunal is running for many months (even years, in some cases), it really adds up.

Mahon tribunal expected to cost up to €250m

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/mahon-tribunal-expected-to-cost-up-to-250m-1.1481134

State inquiry costs set to hit €500m by end of this year

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30908731.html

ec18

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888165#Comment_117888165

Thread answered

ednwireland

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888208#Comment_117888208

this - lissadel house bought by two tribunal lawyers, another old hunting lodge near me was the same. guaranteed high rates over long period of time

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888255#Comment_117888255

While Barristers fees are an issue, what about NOT calling for a public inquiry for every issue?

ec18

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888292#Comment_117888292

True but the question was why they are expensive not do we need them

Nevin Parsnipp

Most public enquiries are caused by people in the public service not doing their well paid jobs.

Current Army bullying allegations a case in point....many people in authority must have been aware of it but did nothing.

Any enquirey will not sanction anybody....will just earn the legal boys and girls a shedload of dosh which the taxpayer will end up paying.

Skiing holls for the family in Klosters can be expensive you know....

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/george-redmond-a-frugal-slick-and-extremely-corrupt-man-34467179.html

He got jail after one of the planning tribunals

.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888304#Comment_117888304

The Irish legal profession should be examined from top to bottom, and compared with other nations.. because the costs involved in getting anything done here, is far too high, especially for anything even remotely administrative.

They're expensive because the politicians and the legal profession are tied at the hip. Its not the politicians money they're spending.. it's the State's and so there's little consideration about the overall costs involved.

KaneToad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117891098#Comment_117891098

Alan Shatter tried to take on the legal profession(s). Which was admirable, as he was one. Although a less charitable person might say that he'd already made his money from that game.

Anyways, his efforts didn't end well for him...

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888255#Comment_117888255

One of them is a drinks licencing specialist, not a tribunal specialist.

Absolutely everyone barristers up for these, even people who would have no need to in normal inquiries. Some could just have a lawyer or no representation.