Joe O'Toole (Independent)

In the normal way in which the IASA will carry out its duties, it will not actually be investigating cases, but will simply apply the rule, as it were, to ensure that the bodies are investigating cases properly. The Bill allows the authority to undertake the investigation itself in certain cases, and in such situations it would incur costs. It is unlikely that would happen very often. It is clearly stated that the IASA will not be in a position, for instance, to second-guess a properly structured and undertaken investigation. The IASA is not supposed to be there as a court of appeal. In the event of there being an objection against the way in which an accountancy body did its work, and the view was taken for example that due process was not followed, or that the proper steps were not taken, or that the case was dealt with incorrectly, then the legislation allows for the IASA in such exceptional circumstances to conduct its own investigation.