Group of Independent TDs and Senators oppose inquiries proposal

Concerns are being raised that the referendum to allow the Oireachtas to conduct inquiries and make findings could give politicans too much power.

Concerns are being raised that the referendum to allow the Oireachtas conduct inquiries could give politicans too much power.

A group of Independent TDs and Senators are urging people to vote against the proposal next Thursday, saying the constitutional amendment is being rushed through.

They say that, while changes on accountability are needed, the wording of the referendum as it stands risks giving politicans more power than they deserve.

Independent TD Finian McGrath, who chairs the Dáil technical group, said he and his colleagues had grave reservations about the proposal.

"It will severely damage the current constitutional system of checks and balances if adopted in the current form," he said.

"There has been an inadequate debate. The legislation was rushed. It will give dramatic new powers to the Government, not the Oireachtas. It may exclude the courts (and inquiries) could prejudice trials," he said.