Banking inquiry clashes to get full live TV treatment

The crisis-battered Oireachtas banking inquiry is set to broadcast all its clashes with witnesses live on TV, but key political figures are not expected to give evidence until next summer.

The probe was finally set to begin work today as members moved to put the rows over the Government’s built-in majority behind it. Talks have begun with cable TV operators to ensure the proceedings are broadcast live from the inquiry’s base in Leinster House.

With oral evidence from major players involved in the financial and political system at the time of the crash not expected to be called until April 2015, committee chairman Ciarán Lynch indicated senior politicians would probably not be the first witnesses called.