The new Bill allows for inquiries relating to the removal of Judges and high office holders including the President

It also provides scope for investigating the banking collapse.

The New Inquiries Bill will allow for the holding of investigations under 5 separate categories.

Conduct of TDs & Senators

It will allow for “inquire, record and report”-style inquiries to make findings of uncontested fact.

It will allow for forward-looking inquiries in relation to the legislative functions of the Dáil.

It will also provide for inquires to be held into the removal of certain office holders such as the President, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and Judges of the Supreme and High Court for reasons provided under the Constitution.

Investigations could also be held with a view to holding the current government to account and separately into the conduct of a TD or Senator.

Minister Brendan Howlin says the Bill will help to secure accountability through investigations into matters of significant public importance.