Regulations for banking probe passed in the Dáil

Accusations that the Taoiseach had prejudiced any future Oireachtas probe into the banking collapse by launching a partisan attack on Fianna Fáil were brushed aside by the Government as the Dáil approved new probe regulations.

Brendan Howlin, the public expenditure minister, insisted Enda Kenny was making a political point when he said an “axis of collusion” had existed between Fianna Fáil in Government and senior bankers.

Mr Howlin said it was the kind of thing heard at the British prime minister’s question time and nobody in Westminster would suggest such assertions would prejudice inquiries.