The budget for the Commission of Inquiry has been more than doubled, the Bermuda Government has confirmed this evening.

Originally given $480,000 to look into issues that came out of the Auditor-General’s reports for the financial years ending March 2010 through March 2012, the commission will now have a budget of almost $1.2 million.

“The Government can confirm that the Commission of Inquiry requested an extension of time and a revised budget,” a statement said. “After careful review of the request, the Premier, Michael Dunkley and the Cabinet agreed to the extension. Cabinet approved a revised end date of December 31, 2016 and a budget increase from $480,000 to $1.168 million.”

The statement added that the Government encouraged the commission to retain a strong focus on the original terms of reference to minimise any further increase in time and expenditure. This comes on the back of confusion over whether the commission has the remit to look into the present government’s handling of the airport redevelopment deal.

The statement concluded: “As an added note, in accordance with financial instructions, a sole-source waiver for the engagement of counsel by the commission was requested and obtained from the Accountant-General.”

• In the interest of treating the Commission of Inquiry much like continuing court proceedings, The Royal Gazette has taken the decision to disable comments. This is done for the protection legally of both the newspaper and our readers