Government to revisit proposals for stronger parliamentary inquiry powers

A memorandum to be presented to Cabinet today proposes to re-run the 2011 referendum on empowering Oireachtas committees to conduct more far-reaching investigations into important matters.

It was defeated by 53 per cent to 46 per cent, with opposition from the Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) and eight former Attorneys General, who criticised the proposals in an open letter.

In the open letter, the former AGs wrote: “The proposal in relation to Oireachtas inquiries seriously weakens the rights of individual citizens, firstly to protect their good names, and secondly to have disputes between themselves and the Oireachtas concerning their constitutional rights decided by an independent judiciary.”

According to The Irish Times, the memo to be discussed today refers to advice from the Attorney General’s office which suggests a huge volume of research will be required into the proposals.

However, there is hope that proposals will be sent to Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe for a second referendum, though it is unlikely to be considered until at least mid-way through 2018.