By JULIA DAIA BORE
THE Commission of Inquiry into the Finance Department has 300,000 files to look into, but is very short of staff to carry out this task.
The commission convened yesterday for a short time and adjourned indefinitely again, with chairman Maurice Sheehan expressing concerning about the shortage, and firing a broadside at critics who had accused the commission staff of overpayment and abuses.
He said the staff provided was “a very thin team”, particularly those required for investigation. “As is well known, the task of the inquiry is extensive. It is essentially the examination of every transaction over the sum of K300,000 that has gone through the Department of Finance between the period of Jan 1, 2000, and July 31, 2006.”
Mr Sheehan said the commission could not immediately commence public hearings, adding also that the staff who have been appointed have yet to be notified of their appointments.
“They have to be assembled and advised of the positions and the tasks that they will be required to undertake.”
He said Stephen Kassman, who has been appointed the counsel assisting the inquiry, was overseas seeking medical
treatment, while Stephen Raphael was appointed the new secretary of the commission, replacing Gerard Dogimab who resigned.
He also said the funds to constitute the inquiry and to cater for its extended duration of six months had been made available.
However, the outstanding accounts and remunerations would be met upon completion of an audit, which was underway, Mr Sheehan said. Meanwhile, he also refuted allegations of self over-payments in salaries and misuse of funds by the commission. “The criticisms are incorrect and wholly unjustified,” he said. He added that the commission would by the end of this month produce an interim report of its findings before proceeding.