The State has invested nearly €600 million in 27 tribunals of inquiry and commissions of investigation since the late 1990s, with an average cost of €22 million per inquiry. The lengthy duration of these inquiries, averaging over five years, and their significant financial burden have come under scrutiny.

The recent release of the Farrelly Commission report on the ‘Grace’ case has reignited discussions on the time-consuming and costly nature of public inquiries in Ireland. Established in 2017, the commission took 8 years to publish its final report, accumulating costs of €13.6 million, with more expenses expected.

Public inquiries in Ireland have faced criticism for their prolonged timelines and high costs, with some, like the planning and Moriarty tribunals, lasting well over a decade. Critics argue that by the time these inquiries conclude, the issues of public interest being investigated have often faded from public attention.

While commissions of investigation were introduced in 2004 to conduct focused inquiries efficiently, some have still extended over several years with extensive legal proceedings. The Nyberg commission, which reported in 2011, stands out as a successful example for completing its work in a short time for a relatively low cost of €1.2 million.

However, challenges persist in streamlining the process of public inquiries in Ireland, with experts noting the need for better selection processes, clear terms of reference, tighter controls, and measures to prevent inquiries from turning into prolonged legal processes. Despite the limitations and costs associated with these inquiries, they remain crucial for holding individuals and institutions accountable in matters of public interest.