Concern over leaks in banking inquiry

Concerns have been raised over a deliberate attempt to “undermine” the Oireachtas banking probe following a major leak of evidence.

TDs have said the full weight of the law should be brought against anyone found responsible for leaking confidential documents in breach of strict rules governing the investigation. Those found guilty of disclosing such confidential documents face a maximum sanction of five years in jail and a fine of up to €500,000 under tough new rules drawn-up in 2013.

The banking committee was meeting yesterday to discuss the implications of former Finance Department secretary general Kevin Cardiff’s statement to the investigation being leaked ahead of his appearance before the probe on Thursday.