Dáil considers DIRT-style probe

The Dáil’s public spending watchdog is to consider launching a DIRT-style inquiry into the collapse of the country’s banking system.

It follows the recent defeat of a constitutional referendum to grant greater powers to the oireachtas to investigate major issues of public concern.

The Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) confirmed yesterday that it intends to advise the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin it is examining the possibility of conducting an inquiry into the €400 billion bank guarantee of September 2008 and the consequent crisis in the banking system.