Sweeping powers for bank inquiry

Bankers living abroad and other high-ranking officials linked to the night of the bank guarantee will be compelled to attend the Government’s promised banking inquiry under new powers announced.

Witnesses will be compelled to give evidence, possibly under oath. However, no findings of adversity can be made against individuals in an inquiry.

Former taoiseach Brian Cowen will also co-operate with the banking inquiry, his brother, Fianna Fáil TD Barry, said yesterday.