Banking inquiry stalled over compromise fears

Efforts to set up a banking inquiry have been stalled after a legal warning to the Government that witnesses at hearings may be “compromised” by public comments they made previously.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin yesterday revealed the dilemma for an inquiries system and said there were issues preparing legislation for an Oireachtas committee of inquiries.

The Government is keen to establish an inquiry into the banking crisis after failing to pass the Oireachtas inquiries referendum last year.