Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of last year's rejection by referendum of increased powers for Oireachtas inquiries, his views on whether the proposed Houses of Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2012 is the most appropriate approach to progressing this matter. [51556/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am satisfied that the proposed legislation is the most appropriate approach on the basis, of the comprehensive analysis carried out in relation to this matter by my Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, the January 2011 report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution reviewing the parliamentary powers of inquiry and the published views of several authoritative constitutional experts, as well as the research commissioned by my Department on the outcome of the 2011 referendum to allow Oireachtas Committees to undertake full inquiries.

In addition to providing legal certainty regarding the constitutionally permissible scope for Oireachtas inquiries, the legislation will provide an essential statutory framework for the conduct of inquiries by Oireachtas committees. The proposed legislation also provides for all necessary powers for an effective and efficient inquiry process as well as detailing the fair procedures required in relation to the conduct of any Oireachtas inquiry to ensure that constitutional rights are fully safeguarded.