Anglo's external auditors decline to appear before Oireachtas Committee

Anglo Irish Bank's external auditors have declined an invitation to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Economic and Regulatory Affairs.

A statement released this evening by Ernst and Young said the decision had been taken following legal advice which said the appearance would be inappropriate because the investigation into the loans scandal at the bank had only just begun.

The investigation was launched following the controversy over €87m worth of concealed loans from shareholders and the public to former Anglo Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick.

The auditors said they would be happy to co-operate fully with the Oireachtas Committee once the investigation is complete.