Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry

Statement by Michael Lowry TD:
Regarding the impending publication of the final report of the Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry

I recently made a request, through my solicitor, to the Moriarty Tribunal to allow me the opportunity at the Tribunal to publicly address all of the evidence given to the Tribunal about the licence process since I last gave my evidence in 2005.   It has always been my belief and understanding that I, as the subject person of the Tribunal’s inquiry, would be the last person to give evidence and to address all of the allegations that were made against me.  It was my understanding that this was accepted by the Tribunal.  However, the Tribunal is now refusing me this right.  After eleven years of being investigated by the Moriarty Tribunal, they refuse to allow me time to defend myself in public on the licence process.  I am both surprised and disappointed by this response given that I have been forced to endure this highly expensive and personally corrosive examination over this period.  You could form the impression that the Moriarty Tribunal is intent on destroying my character, shredding the reputation of the Irish civil servants and damaging the international image of the Irish State.  They are attempting to do this in the absence of any real evidence in support of their outlandish theories.  There are numerous issues which I have not had the opportunity to address including the evidence of Richard Nesbitt SC, which is material to the awarding of the GSM licence.

..Read more of this statement

€6 million funding sanctioned for Nenagh VEC: Lowry

Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed that Minister Batt O’Keefe has included a further 6 million euro in his Department’s estimate for a new school at Nenagh Vocational College.

Deputy Lowry states that following discussions directly with the Minister he received confirmation that the project would be included in the schools 2010 Capital Building programme in the week prior to the budget. ..Read more of this statement

Approval for €3.2million works scheme on council housing estates: Lowry

Further to his pre-budget discussions with the government, it has been confirmed to Deputy Michael Lowry, that approval has now been granted to North Tipperary County Council to proceed with a remedial works scheme on 43 dwellings in Derrynaflan, Littleton, Ard Mhuire, Templeltouhy and Clohessy Place, Bouladuff.

The works include the replacement of windows and doors, provision of central heating, roof and wall insulation together with environmental works.

The Minister for Housing has confirmed to Deputy Lowry that he has made provision for €3.2 million in his 2010 estimates for these projects. ..Read more of this statement

Good News for Borrisokane Community College: Lowry

Independent Deputy Michael Lowry says that today is a very significant and important day for Borrisokane Community College.

The architectural and design team is today having final consultations with the Building Unit of the Department of Education.

The purpose of this meeting is to check on and sign off tender documents. ..Read more of this statement

Future of TI Secured: Lowry

Independent Deputy Michael Lowry TD has received confirmation from Education Minister Batt O’Keefe that the Government have formally decided not to implement a closure recommendation in respect of Tipperary Institute arising from the McCarthy report.

Minister O’Keefe has confirmed that Tipperary Institute will retain its identity. The Board of the company will be encouraged to restructure and reform its operations and procedures.

The Minister welcomes the continuing initiative to collaborate and form linkages with other educational institutes. ..Read more of this statement