Commission of inquiries Bill
Deputy Calleary pressed for priority on a long-stalled commission of inquiries Bill. The Tánaiste said it had not been restored or listed for consideration and would revert with further detail.
I remind the House that, as is customary, we only have 15 minutes on a Thursday for questions on promised legislation. I ask Members to take this into consideration.
Comment on this
I return to the issue of inquiries. Prior to the general election in 2016, a commission of inquiries Bill had reached Committee Stage and been awaiting Report Stage since September 2015. The Bill had been suggested by the Law Reform Commission in its 2005 report. It has not been restored to the Order Paper since the general election. Surely this is the time to give priority to establishing a new framework for inquiries, to involve, in particular, public observance of inquiries.
Comment on this
I am told that the Bill was brought forward during the term of the previous Government. It was not reinstated on the list of legislation to be brought forward by the Government, but I can get back to the Deputy with more details. My understanding is it is not on any list for consideration.