Changes to inquiries should be considered - minister | Breaking News & Latest Ireland Updates

Changes to inquiries should be considered - minister — A Government minister has said consideration should be given to changing commissions of investigation legislation in light of theFarrelly Commission i...

A Government minister has said consideration should be given to changing commissions of investigation legislation in light of theFarrelly Commission inquiry into the Grace case.

Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Higher and Further Education James Lawless said there are concerns over the cost and length of commissions of investigation.

They have cost more than €500m in total since they were established in 2004.

Asked if he believes that consideration should be given to whether that legislation should now be changed, he confirmed "yes".

Minister Lawless said another alternative to the existing system, namely Oireachtas inquiries, may not be the best way forward as "I would have concerns about an Oireachtas inquiry".

He said "they don't necessarily shine a light where it needs to be shone" as sometimes politicians want to look for the high-profile question instead of the finer details.

Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan said "at the end of the day the victim needs to be centre" of any investigation.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said: "I don't think we can go back to a tribunal" system. However, he accepted it is "not a simple yes or no to that answer".