Tougher penalties for obstructing tribunals

The Government is planning dramatic increases in the penalties for obstructing tribunals, RTÉ has learned. Earlier, Government Chief Whip Seamus Brennan gave an assurance that legislation approving extra judges for the Flood Tribunal would be passed on time. Mr Justice Flood last week expressed concern that the forthcoming election might delay the legislation.

Mr Brennan said today that he was absolutely certain that a bill would be passed before the general election. The Chief Whip said that the Opposition were the only people delaying the bill, which deals with a range of matters relating to the courts.