Taoiseach Enda Kenny is considering establishing an office of investigation independent of the Dáil and the Government.

Speaking before an Oireachtas committee Mr Kenny said there was merit in calls for a permanent body to be set up.

The Taoiseach said rather than “having constant repeated issues” raised in the Dáil and “claims for commissions of investigations” an office could be set up to examine such issues.

Mr Kenny said the Government is limited in how it can deal with such allegations. He said establishing a commission of investigation or a tribunal are the only methods of examining such claims. The Taoiseach was responding to questions from Fine Gael Senator Michael D'Arcy.

Speaking to The Irish Times Mr D'Arcy said a number of commissions of inquiry had been established and were often running up huge bills with little results.

He said he would now move a Private Member’s Bill to reflect Mr Kenny’s comments.

The Taoiseach also told the inquiry the Commission of Investigation into the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation could cost €10 million.