Coalition could block inquiries

GOVERNMENT parties will be able to block or knock down proposals for Oireachtas-led probes.

Voters will go to the polls next month to decide on whether to give politicians tougher powers of investigation. But submissions or proposals for such inquiries could be blocked by the Coalition parties, as they hold the majority in both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin yesterday outlined plans for inquiries, which the Government hopes will be approved in the October 27 referendum. He also revealed the inquiries would be held in private.

Mr Howlin admitted Fine Gael and Labour could have the power to block inquiry proposals.

Under the plans, Oireachtas committees would make proposals for investigations which are of a strong public interest.

These will then be passed to the Oireachtas Committee on Investigations, Oversight and Petitions.

After the committee conducts an investigatory phase, proposals would be brought before the Oireachtas, which would decide whether full inquiries should proceed.