Today is the deadline for the public to express opinions on proposed new legislation which could give TDs and Senators the power to carry out inquiries.
It comes just a year after a referendum asking the public if they wish to give the Oireachtas extensive powers to investigate and make findings against individuals was rejected.
However this new legislation would include protection against bias especially if a committee member had previously made statements on a particular issue being investigated.
It also has a provision for members to exclude themselves from an inquiry.
How legislation differs from last year
The draft legislation of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill was approved back at the end of October.
Speaking at the time the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said it marked "an important step in the process of enhancing the role of the Houses of the Oireachtas in securing accountability through investigations into matters of significant public importance".
Chairperson of the Finance Committee is Ciarán Lynch.
He explains what types of inquiries could be carried out if this Bill gets the go-ahead and how this proposed legislation differs from the referendum last year.
