57.—(1) Where the Commission considers it is necessary to do so for the purpose of the performance of any of the functions conferred on it by or under this Act or any other Act of the Oireachtas, the Commission may cause such investigation as it thinks fit to be carried out to identify any improper conduct by a specified body.

(2) For the purposes of the investigation, the Commission shall appoint an inspector, subject to such terms as it thinks fit—

(a) to carry out the investigation, and

(b) to submit to the Commission an investigation report following the completion of the investigation.

(3) The terms of appointment of an inspector may define the scope of the investigation to be carried out by the inspector, whether as respects the matters or the period to which it is to extend or otherwise, and in particular may limit the investigation to matters connected with particular circumstances.

(4) Where more than one inspector has been appointed to carry out an investigation, the investigation report shall be prepared jointly by the inspectors so appointed and this Part shall, with all necessary modifications, be construed accordingly.

(5) Where the Commission has appointed an inspector to carry out an investigation, the inspector shall, as soon as is practicable after being so appointed—

(a) give notice in writing to the specified body concerned of the matters to which the investigation relates, and

(b) give the specified body—

(i) copies of any documents relevant to the investigation, and

(ii) a copy of this Part,

and

(c) without prejudice to the generality of section 58, afford the specified body an opportunity to respond within 30 days from the date on which it received the notice referred to in paragraph (a), or such further period not exceeding 30 days as the inspector allows, to the matter to which the investigation relates.]