The government should examine the powers of the Public Accounts Committee.

That is the call from committee chairman, Deputy John McGuinness, after his members were told overnight that they cannot compel two former Rehab bosses to appear in front of them.

TDs had wanted to question Angela Kerins and Frank Flannery over their role in using public funds to support the wages of highly-paid executives.

However the PAC was told that it can force three other individuals to appear in relation to a separate inquiry about the use of a Health Service Executive (HSE) training fund.

The ruling was made because the Rehab organisation is not under direct state supervision.

PAC members are due to hold a private meeting today to discuss the decision. They will also meet with their legal advisors to decide their next move.

Deputy McGuinness told Breakfast here on Newstalk that the committee should have the right to look at how taxpayers money is spent.