Bank inquiry ‘needs coalition majority’

The banking inquiry committee will not have a mandate unless it has a Government majority, the Taoiseach said in comments that provoked the temporary suspension of the Dáil.

Enda Kenny was accused of undermining promises the inquiry would be independent after he said the terms of reference cannot be agreed until the committee make up is changed to create a Government majority.

The first meeting of the inquiry team — due to take place today — has been suspended because of a dispute over its membership.