Oireachtas powers - Investigations should be transparent

The referendum to provide extensive powers for the Oireachtas to investigate and make findings against individuals was rejected by the electorate last year.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin therefore announced the introduction of legislation to allow the Oireachtas to carry out inquiries that would allow the views of more people to be heard and considered.

The minister said the laws would provide for five different types of inquiries, within the parameters of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has already ruled that an Oireachtas inquiry could not make findings of culpability against an individual who was not a member of Oireachtas, or a judge in the case of impeachment.