THE Government should introduce rules to force banks to allow the quick and easy transfer of accounts from one bank to another in order to increase competition and lower consumer prices, an Oireachtas Committee heard yesterday.

AN OIREACHTAS probe into excessive bank charges is to be completed this month and published in the first week of February.

Evidence given in today's sitting of the Oireachtas Finance and Public Service Committee suggests the Government tried deliberately to stifle debate on amending the Freedom of Information Act, Fine Gael finance spokesman Richard Bruton TD said today.

OPPOSITION parties will begin obstructing the work of the Dáil from this week in protest over the Government’s proposed changes to the Freedom of Information Act.

Dublin West TD Liam Lawlor has resigned as vice-chairman of the Oireachtas Finance and Public Service Committee.

Embattled TD Liam Lawlor is facing a possible dismissal from a Dail Committee later today.