Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Social Democrats expressed the view that a permanent entity with legal expertise and so on should be established. There is something in that proposal, as opposed to having issues constantly raised in the Dáil and becoming matters of public concern, out of which demands are made for commissions of investigations. For example, a demand has been made for a commission of investigation into the National Asset Management Agency, on which the Comptroller and Auditor General is doing an analysis.

There is merit in the suggestion that a body of experience would be available to the Oireachtas because when Deputies raise issues which become matters of public concern we need to have a method of addressing them. The only method available at present is to have either a full-scale tribunal or a commission of investigation. As the Deputy is aware, these things cost money. The inquiry into matters related to IBRC is a good example. This matter was raised on a number of occasions as being in the public interest and the Government responded to claims in the Dáil that a commission of investigation was required by agreeing to establish a commission, with the necessary legislation set to be published this week. The point is that all Members and representatives of the different parties have been informed of the challenges that arise in this regard. The commission of inquiry will cost at least €10 million and the judge in charge of it has pointed out the scale and timeframe involved in dealing with the matter. I cannot predict the outcome of that.