Regarding Senator Thomas Byrne's comments on the Smithwick tribunal, it is well documented that vital new information became available from the PSNI and another source. In addition, a key witness became ill. He stopped giving evidence for more than one hour a day and his evidence was spread over a period.

Yes, but the Minister was informed of that by the judge and did not inform the Seanad at the time.

Senator Coghlan without interruption.

The Senator was rather blunt and he wronged the Minister. There is an exchange of correspondence and I have not seen it.

It was not revealed to the Seanad when the Minister came into the House to discuss the Smithwick tribunal.

Senator Byrne can make the point later.

Senator Byrne is incorrect. The Minister was not aware, no more than Judge Smithwick, of the availability of the new information. Let us be calm about the matter. Words will be spoken about it later. We must be even-handed and the tribunal is conducting important work very well.