The Houses of The Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2013 addresses the Abbeylara Judgement, which stated that the government can not carry out an inquiry that would result in damaging the reputation of a normal citizen who isn’t a member of the Oireachtas.
This previously hindered an investigation into what led to the 2008 bank guarantee scheme and what led to the financial crisis.
Kevin Humphreys, Labour TD and Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform committee member, welcomed the Bill and believes the public have "waited too long" for such an inquiry.
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With consent, this would allow investigations to undertaken into the conduct of a “current office holder or CEO of a state body."
If an inquiry took place, these new powers could result in a range of public figures, such as judges, the President, and those holding senior positions in the Central Bank, being removed from their roles.
The Bill stringently requires the inquiry to be fair and free from bias, and allows for anonymous submissions by members of the public who may have information relating to the inquiries.
The original draft version of the report was discussed and approved by Dáil late last year. It’s explanatory memorandum is available here.
