The Law Reform Commission published a report in 2005 examining the operation of public inquiries and recommending changes.
Tribunals of Inquiry are established by the Oireachtas where the evidence of malfeasance might not be enough to secure a criminal conviction, but where public policy requires answers.
Critics of the system say that tribunals: are relatively toothless; may give witnesses immunity that they would not obtain from a court; allow legal representation to all parties, resulting in a higher final cost to the State than the cost of the original malfeasance; and that they can delay difficult political decisions.
[6] The Comptroller and Auditor General published a report in 2008 into the cost of Tribunals of Inquiry and making recommendations.
28 March 2002 / 4 July 2003 / 17 November 2004[n 10] Non-tribunal official inquiries, and subsequent reports, include:[35]