Work has begun on drafting emergency laws that might be needed to save the inquiry into SiteServ.

The news comes as the Taoiseach plans a meeting with opposition leaders before a way to salvage the inquiry is agreed.

Last week the leaders of oppposition parties wrote to Enda Kenny with their own submissions for how the Cregan Commission could be saved - including bringing forward the inquiry into SiteServ, and the passing of emergency laws.

Their ideas were taken to cabinet today, but a spokesman said the solutions available aren't simple, and the pros and cons of each are still being weighed up.

The Taoiseach's writing back to opposition leaders again later this week outlining the possible steps forward, and will also meet with them to try and establish some consensus.

But a spokesman has confirmed that work has begun in the background on some emergency laws which might be needed to overcome the inquiry's legal problems.

However the work is limited - because without knowing exactly what laws might be called for, it's difficult to know what work can be done.