Kenny refuses to commit to banking crisis inquiry date

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has refused to say whether the long-awaited Oireachtas probe into the banking crisis will begin before or after May’s crunch European and local elections.

As Fianna Fáil expressed concern, the structure of the probe could fuel fears of a party political agenda, Mr Kenny would only confirm it would start “within months”.

After voters rejected giving Oireachtas members sweeping investigative powers in a 2011 referendum, TDs and senators will be restricted in the financial probe and will not be allowed to apportion blame.