2.2.1 The methodology adopted by the Inquiry followed the standard stages of an Inquiry of this type namely:
• Agreement by the Chair with the commissioner of the Inquiry to a final formal remit for the Inquiry. The final remit is presented in full in Section 1 of this Report.
• Selection and appointment of panel members and administrative support.
• Information gathering including all key documentation available.
• Familiarisation with all documentation, the chronology of events and establishment of the emerging issues.
• Visits to inspect the properties in question.
• Development of a protocol for the Inquiry.
• Identification of a list of desired witnesses and issue of invitations to attend the Inquiry.
• The holding of interviews with witnesses, the transcription of evidence taken, the issue of same to the witness in question for comment and any necessary amendment, and the finalisation and signing of witness statements.
• The analysis and professional scrutiny of information and evidence collected.
• A review by the panel of the preliminary findings and recommendations of the Inquiry.
• The preparation and submission of the Report of the Inquiry to the commissioner of the Inquiry.