The Dáil has passed a motion changing the terms of reference of the Mahon Tribunal.
Under the motion, the tribunal must decide by 1 May next year what matters it will continue to investigate. After that date, no new investigation can be referred to public hearing.
With the amendments, it is expected the inquiry will have concluded its investigations by March 2007.
It will be another two years before the tribunal's final report is published.
Caldwell evidence continues
During proceedings at the tribunal today, an owner of Jackson Way lands in Carrickmines claimed that a €13 million compensation payment will be held up in a dispute over fees.
Solicitor John Caldwell says co-owner Jim Kennedy believes lawyers are looking for too much money and that this will hold up the pay-out from Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Council.
Mr Caldwell said he and amusement arcade owner Jim Kennedy own the land and are due the money for 20 acres taken for the southeastern section of the M50.
But he says Mr Kennedy believes the amount being sought in fees is too much and he will not release title deeds to his lawyer until this is resolved.
Mr Caldwell said 'there is a row out there', and added 'the compensation claim is well into the future'.
He was being questioned about complicated offshore structures set up to hide his and Mr Kennedy's ownership of a total of 108 acres in south Dublin.
Mr Caldwell said a crucial letter showing his and Mr Kennedy's joint ownership of the lands is being held by Jersey solicitor Nicholas Morgan.
Mr Morgan has claimed he cannot release it without Mr Kennedy's permission, but Mr Caldwell says he believes this is wrong and has agreed to threaten to report the Jersey solicitor to the British Law Society.
Mr Caldwell also denied other evidence suggesting that Liam Lawlor has an interest in the Jackson Way lands.
But he confirmed that Mr Lawlor has a one third share in three other Dublin land deals linked to himself and Mr Kennedy.
Lands at Coolamber were owned by Valley Holdings, Baldoyle by Trennery Investments and a pipeline at Lucan by Pentagon Property Services.
Mr Caldwell said he, Mr Lawlor and Mr Kennedy had an equal share in these companies.
But neither he nor Mr Lawlor had any interest in Pertland, the company that controlled Mr Kennedy's shareholding in Carrickmines.
Mr Caldwell also said he had no knowledge of Zico Trust, another layer of ownership set up by Mr Kennedy to control his shareholdings.
