Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the State agencies and bodies within the remit of his Department that have the power to enter or search premises in the course of an investigation; if they need a search warrant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35319/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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With regard to the agencies and bodies within the remit of my Department the following outlines who has the power to enter or search a premises and whether a search warrant is required. The Information Commissioner may enter a premises occupied by a Public Body and require it to provide any information required during the course of an investigation or review. The Commissioner for Environmental Information may enter a premises occupied by a Public Authority to obtain environmental information as may be reasonably required. The Commission for Public Service Appointments may issue a warrant permitting the holder to enter the premises of a public body and require it to provide information as it may reasonably require in the course of an investigation. The Office of Public Works has powers to enter lands for the purpose of maintenance of drainage works under Section 38 of the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. It does not have powers to enter premises.