Banking inquiry delayed as senators disagree on committee
The long-awaited banking inquiry has been delayed because of a disagreement over which Senators get to take part.
The Government is opposing the selection of Fianna Fáil Senator Marc McSharry as a member of the inquiry, because a number of senators were not present when the selection vote was held.
His selection, along with the selection of Independent Senator Sean Barrett, puts the Government parties in a minority on the inquiry.
The banking inquiry committee was due to meet for the first time on Wednesday.
"It wasn't the case that anybody was taken by surprise - there some urgency about it, and it was well known … for at least two weeks of the three names that were being floated around," said Senator Denis O'Donovan, chair of the Seanad Selection Committee.
"I can't see why anyone would be taken by surprise, or why the meeting wasn't anticipated."
He said the selection process was fair and the result should stand.
