Howlin says banking inquiry is a priority

The Public Expenditure Minister has said any re-run of the referendum on giving Oireachtas committees powers of investigation should not get in the way of setting up a banking inquiry.

Brendan Howlin said that he does not intend to bring a memorandum to Government next week for a referendum in the autumn.

Speaking at the North-South Ministerial Council in Dublin this morning, Minister Howlin said getting a banking inquiry underway now is the main issue.

"The general view within government and across the country is that we want an inquiry up and running," he said.

"The issue of whether we need to revisit the referendum is a separate question

"I don't think that should get in the way of establishing an inquiry under the current norms of the constitution."