The Public Accounts Committee is to ask for further legal advice on whether it can interview the whistleblower behind claims of income tax evasion.
TDs met behind closed doors this morning to discuss their handling of the dossier, which alleges tax evasion by politicians from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Progressive Democrats.
Last week they were told that the civil servant behind the claims does not enjoy whistleblower protection - but he has written to the committee saying he believes he is protected by law.
The PAC has agreed to seek further advice, and is also to ask the Revenue Commissioners to give evidence about their progress in chasing taxes from the holders of offshore bank accounts at Ansbacher.
It is understood that the Dáil would need to pass a formal resolution in order to give the PAC the power to further investigate the allegations.
In a statement earlier this month, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said the allegations given to the PAC have been investigated in the past.
The Minister said he is limited in what he can say as the issues "may be the subject of investigations and future court cases", but stated that the files covering the issues were sent to the Gardaí, the Revenue Commissioners, the Director of Corporate Enforcement and two Tribunals between 2004 and 2010. He added that he understands "the Gardai investigated them at that time."
Mary-Lou McDonald TD told the Dáil last week that “household names” from the now defunct Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil are among those named in the dossier.
