Part 2: Functions of the IMA Inquiries
Paragraph 25 gives the IMA the power, but not the obligation, to carry out inquiries: in response to a request from a Secretary of State; in response to a request from a Scottish Minister when the request relates to a public authority that is devolved to Scotland; in response to a request from a Welsh Minister when the request relates to an inquiry that is devolved to Wales; in response to a request from the Executive Office in Northern Ireland when the request relates to a public authority that is devolved to Northern Ireland; following a complaint from a person under paragraph 29; or on its own initiative.
	Sub-paragraph (2) defines that the purposes of an inquiry are for the IMA to determine whether the UK has failed to comply with Part 2 or a relevant public authority has acted or is proposing to act in a way that prevents or would prevent a person from exercising a relevant right. The IMA will identify any recommendations it considers appropriate to be made to a relevant public authority to promote the adequate and effective implementation of Part 2.
	Sub-paragraph (3) prohibits the IMA from carrying out an inquiry other than one in response to a request from a Secretary of State (or a Scottish Minister, a Welsh Minister, or the Executive Office in Northern Ireland where the inquiry relates to a public authority that is devolved to their respective nations, as set out in paragraph 25), unless there are reasonable grounds to believe that the inquiry in question may conclude that the UK has failed to comply with Part 2, or that a relevant public authority has acted or is proposing to act in a way that prevents a person exercising a relevant right.
	Sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) give the IMA a discretion not to carry out an inquiry even if the conditions set-out in sub-paragraph (3) are satisfied. This discretion includes where the IMA considers there are no reasonable grounds to believe that an inquiry may identify general or systemic failures in the application of Part 2.
	Paragraph 26 places a duty on the IMA to publish its intention to carry out an inquiry by any means which it considers appropriate.
	Sub-paragraph (2) provides that where an inquiry is about matters raised by a person who has made a complaint regarding a relevant right as defined in paragraph 29(1)(a) or (b), the IMA must invite representations from the complainant, any relevant public authority about which the person is complaining and any other person the IMA considers appropriate (for example a relevant regulatory body).
	Sub-paragraph (3) sets out that in relation to inquiries not prompted by complaints, the IMA must invite representations from any person it considers appropriate. Sub-paragraph (4) requires the IMA to publish how and when people can make representations relating to an inquiry and (5) sets out that the IMA should consider any representations made to it in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) concerning any inquiry.