Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has called for the three-year criminal investigation into the banking collapse to be accelerated.
In an interview with the Financial Times today Mr Howlin said it was necessary for those who made “reckless and outrageous” decisions to be held accountable.
Charges have yet to be brought against a anyone in connection with a banking collapse that has cost the Irish taxpayer more than €60 billion to date and seen the majority of domestic banks come under State control.
“I’d like to see an early determination of the investigations that are already under way. There is an absolute requirement for light to be shone into that dark crevice because people are confused and there is a lot of misinformation about it,” he told the paper.
Mr Howlin said a full explanation around the operation of Anglo Irish Bank – which has consumed more than €30 billion and is being gradually wound down – had yet to emerge.
“We haven’t had a full explanation about who was involved, who made the decisions and who was advising on those decisions – and I do think that is necessary to get the full picture.”
While the Government plans to establish an inquiry into the banking crisis, a referendum to extend the powers of Oireachtas committees to allow them compel witnesses to attend was defeated last year.
Mr Howlin said the Government was considering alternatives including the appointment of a committee of inquiry or a High Court inspector to inquire into the collapse.