asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will have legislation introduced forthwith to provide full powers to subpoena witnesses and full privilege protection to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies for the single purpose of carrying out an in-depth public investigation into the affairs of Irish Shipping Limited now in liquidation.
Written Answers. - Irish Shipping Limited.
18.
I have no responsibility for the affairs of Irish Shipping Limited. However, as I explained to the members of the Joint Committee on State-Sponsored Bodies when I met them earlier this year, the Attorney General has been asked to draft legislation on the matter of privilege and compellability of witnesses before Oireachtas committees. Unfortunately the drafting of this legislation has taken longer than expected because of its very technical and complex nature and its application to a much expanded committee system. A draft of a Bill was received from the Attorney General's office during the summer and, following examination by my Office, it is now being revised by the Attorney General's office. It is my intention to have the Bill published as soon as possible.