Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This amendment provides that where a complaint is withdrawn by the complainant while it is being considered by the investigating committee or where it has progressed to a panel inquiry, the committee or the panel may, with the agreement of the council, decide either that no further action is to be taken or proceed as if the complaint had not been withdrawn. This is to prevent a situation where the investigating committee or the panel are obliged to proceed with a complaint, even if it has been withdrawn and the committee or panel sees no reason to proceed. Of course, the committee or panel may also decide to proceed if that is deemed to be appropriate.

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