50. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of tribunals of inquiry, commissions of inquiry or investigations for which she or her Department have been responsible by name; by terms of reference; by cost including the cost to date where an inquiry has not been concluded; by date including the projected date of conclusion where an inquiry has not been concluded from 1991 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3788/16]

Tribunals of inquiry are established by resolution of the Houses of Oireachtas to enquire into matters of urgent public importance. Commissions of investigation can investigate matters of significant public concern and are set up by Government order. Such commissions are currently provided for by the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.

This Department has not been responsible for any tribunals of inquiry or commissions of investigation since 1991.