The Government is to draw up new legislation that will allow TDs and Senators to carry out inquiries.
Last year a referendum to give the Oireachtas extensive powers to investigate was rejected.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said that this new legislation will allow for the setting up of inquiries that can make findings of uncontested facts.
The minister said powers to compel witnesses will also be simplified and confidential information given by the public will be protected.
Minister Howlin said this will not go beyond the Abbeylara judgment that ruled Oireachtas investigations did not have the power to make findings against individuals.
There will also be "forward-looking" inquiries that can make findings of fact that relate to the "legislative functions" of the Dáil and Seanad and inquiries to hold the Government to account.
Inquiries can also take place to remove certain office holders, such as the President and Judges of the Supreme Court, as is already the case.
The Ceann Comhairle or the Chair of the Seanad will have the power to trigger such an investigation.
