Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003

Public bill · Government · Presented

The Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003 would create a faster, more flexible way to investigate matters of major public concern and establish the facts. Government-appointed commissions, approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas, could require people to give evidence, answer questions and produce documents, while generally hearing evidence in private and protecting fair procedures, privacy and legal privilege. Investigations would have set costs and deadlines, with reports normally published, although publication could be delayed to protect criminal proceedings. Witnesses could face penalties for obstruction or false statements, while a tribunal of inquiry could later use the commission’s evidence if formal findings were needed.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for the establishment of commissions from time to time to investigate into and report on matters considered to be of significant public concern, to provide for powers of such commissions and to make provision for related matters

Last updated 16 April 2018