The State's ethics watchdog has announced it is to investigate the controversy surrounding the tax affairs of Fianna Fáil TD Michael Collins.
The Standards in Public Office Commission said it had recently been asked to carry out an investigation by the Dáil's Committee on Members' Interests, and has informed Deputy Collins that the investigation has begun.
Last year, the Limerick West TD reached a €130,000 settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in relation to a bogus non-resident account.
The new investigation will centre on whether the deputy breached ethics legislation.
The commission will report back to the Dáil, which could decide to suspend the deputy, with or without pay, if it deems that the legislation has been broken.
