Proposed powers on tribunals ‘open to abuse’

GOVERNMENTS could shut down investigations they find embarrassing if granted the power to dissolve tribunals of inquiry, the opposition warned last night.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell yesterday confirmed he had received Cabinet backing for the “urgent drafting” of a bill to address problems with tribunals.

If the bill became law, the Government would have the power to dissolve a tribunal if it managed to get a resolution passed by both the Dáil and Seanad.