Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In those circumstances, if we were to include that requirement, it would actually end up limiting the power of the standards commissioner to do his or her work. This is a particular power the Standards in Public Office Commission believe would aid the office in its duties. I believe that the most likely way this would be triggered is through the returns I spoke of earlier. It is possible that the commissioner may see something in the public arena that merits investigation. Section 35 refers to a preliminary investigation where an assessment could be made about whether or not a more substantive investigation is needed.