Taoiseach undecided on repeat inquiry referendum

A fresh referendum giving the Oireachtas more powers of inquiry is being considered by the Taoiseach, after his plans to have TDs and senators investigate the banking collapse in a committee failed to fully satisfy senior ministers.

Enda Kenny told the Dáil that the idea of a re-run of the referendum — which was narrowly defeated in Oct 2011 — had been put to him. “I haven’t given any definitive answer to that yet,” he said.

The Taoiseach said the Government’s preferred option was to pass legislation before the summer that would allow an Oireachtas committee begin an inquiry in the autumn.