Banking inquiry warning to media

The head of the banking inquiry has written to all national media outlets warning journalists they face criminal prosecution if any leaked witness statements are published before they are officially made public.

Inquiry chair and Labour TD Ciarán Lynch wrote the ‘reminder’ letter to newspapers, radio and TV stations yesterday after details of former Department of Finance secretary general Kevin Cardiff and former Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s statements were revealed in recent weeks.

In correspondence sent before Mr Cowen’s second appearance today and as Taoiseach Enda Kenny, ex-taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Joan Burton, ex-Tánaiste Mary Harney, ex-Green Party leader John Gormley and a host of other political heavyweights attend, Mr Lynch said any leaks are a breach of the law.