Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I regard this as one of the most important Bills that I have been privileged to introduced. It is an overarching power for the Oireachtas - either each House or both Houses acting in consort - to conduct inquiries into matters of public importance. It was the Government's opinion that we should strengthen the powers of the Oireachtas to find matters of culpability in respect of inquiries, but the people in their wisdom determined to constrain the powers of the Oireachtas in that regard. This Bill is crafted entirely within the constraints of the Constitution. Notwithstanding that, it is robust, overarching legislation that will be of use not only in the conduct of inquiries, but in the conduct of committees generally. It will enable the Houses to prove in the coming months and years that they can do the people's business in a more robust and transparent fashion.

I thank Senators for their consideration of the legislation and for their contributions on Second Stage. A degree of consideration was also given by those Senators who tabled amendments. I was aware from the Second Stage contributions that there was a large measure of consensus on this legislation and that it was not a controversial issue. However, it is important that it be enacted before the end of this parliamentary session so that we can get on with having inquiries established as soon as is practicable.