Bill restricts Dáil banking crisis probe

Any likely parliamentary inquiry into the banking crisis will not have the power to investigate past governments where the reputation of former office holders could be directly adversely affected, according to a confidential briefing for TDs.

Legislation being drawn up will make it unlikely any banking probe will be able to scrutinise actions of former ministers or taoisigh, such as Brian Cowen, and their handling of the banking crisis and guarantee.

TDs and senators with the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (PAC) were given the special confidential briefing of the planned legislation, seen by the Irish Examiner, a week ago.