Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

909. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process whereby staff are recruited to work on non-statutory inquiries. [25326/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the main difference between a Parliamentary Inquiry (non statutory) and a Tribunal of Inquiry is that non statutory inquiries are not vested with the powers, privileges and rights of the High Court whereas Tribunals of Inquiry are. Tribunals are established by resolution of the Houses of the Oireachtas to enquire into matters of urgent public importance.

In the case of a Parliamentary Inquiry (non-statutory), either the Government or the relevant Minister will appoint a Chairperson, usually a retired member of the Judiciary. I understand that the Department responsible for the inquiry will normally supply administrative support from staff within that Department.

Any outside expert or legal support will be supplied at the request of the Chairperson of the Inquiry. These appointments may require an excluding order from the Commission for Public Service Appointments under the Public Service (Management and Recruitment) Act 2004.