Cabinet fails to make decision on saving IBRC inquiry ahead of Dáil showdown

No decision has been made during a Cabinet meeting to discuss how to salvage the inquiry into IBRC.

It is understood that ministers believe more work is needed to examine what powers the inquiry will need to be given to do its job.

Opposition leaders earlier said they would be willing to pass emergency laws to allow the inquiry resume its work, after it emerged it could not access key financial documents at the bank.

Fianna Fáil has said it will facilitate the passing of any emergency legislation the Government puts forward to get the investigation into IBRC back on track.

The party has also added its voice to calls for the issue of Siteserv to be dealt with on its own by any inquiry so that a report on it can be produced before the General Election.

Sinn Féin has said the blame over the problems with the inquiry goes all the way to the Taoiseach.

As the Government looks at what options are available to sort out the Commission of Investigation, opposition parties are preparing for a Dáil showdown later this afternoon.

Fianna Fáil has said the Taoiseach must answer all the questions, including what was the legal advice from the Attorney General when the terms of reference were drawn up.

Sinn Féin also wants the inquiry back up and running, and believes the blame for this problem is with the Taoiseach and other members of the Cabinet.