The Tribunal of Inquiry into the Beef Processing Industry, also known as the Beef Tribunal, is established on May 31, 1991, chaired by Justice Liam Hamilton. It is set up to inquire into malpractice in the Irish beef processing industry, mainly centred on Goodman International, owned and controlled by Larry Goodman. It also examines accusations of special dispensations given by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce, Albert Reynolds, to Goodman.

The Tribunal begins hearings on June 21, 1991, and it reports its conclusions in July 1994, at the time Ireland’s longest-running inquiry.

The Tribunal is established by the Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats coalition, though only after the leader of the PDs, Desmond O’Malley, threatens to pull out of the coalition if no inquiry is established. Taoiseach Charles Haughey acquiesces to the demand.

The Tribunal is tasked with “inquiring into the following definite matters of urgent public importance: (i) allegations regarding illegal activities, fraud and malpractice in and in connection with the beef processing industry made or referred to:– (a) in Dáil Éireann, and (b) on a television programme transmitted by ITV on May 13, 1991; (ii) any matters connected with or relevant to the matters aforesaid which the Tribunal considers it necessary to investigate in connection with its inquiries into the matters mentioned at (i) above; and 2. making such recommendations (if any) as the Tribunal, having regard to its findings, thinks proper.”

The Tribunal comes weeks after the broadcast of a World in Action programme. The allegations made in Dáil Éireann cover many of the allegations made in the television programme and included the following:

• Abuses of the system under which subsidies are paid by the European Economic Community (EEC) to those engaged in the beef processing industry
• Failure of regulatory authorities and allegations of political influence in relation to alleged abuses of the system
• Tax evasion and Political influence in regard thereto
• Goodman, the Industrial Development Authority and political influence
• Abuse of Export Credit Insurance Scheme
• Allegations of political influence

The Beef Tribunal concludes that tax evasion occurred at Goodman International and shined a light on widespread improper relationships between the beef industry, particularly Goodman, and the government. However, no criminal charges are brought, aside from the journalist Susan O’Keeffe who is charged and acquitted for not revealing sources.

Though not directly charged with wrongdoing, Albert Reynolds’s government is ultimately brought down by the fallout of the Beef Tribunal.

Ten years later, Fintan O’Toole comments that while a “shocking set of scandals” were uncovered (including the aforementioned tax evasion, fraud, and theft), “virtually nothing happened,” eroding public trust in the system.

(Pictured: Larry Goodman, founder and Executive Chairman of Goodman International, which is now ABP Food Group)