Members of the Oireachtas banking inquiry will be automatically

removed from the committee if they miss one session at which a witness is giving evidence, under rules passed in the Dáil.

The banking inquiry was formally established this week following the passing of motions in the Dáil and Seanad, and is expected to begin its public hearings next month.

The first sessions will focus on the context for the banking crash, and will hear from experts who have already written reports on the issue.

Former bankers

This phase is expected to last until March, after which the inquiry will switch to different phases which are likely to see former bankers and politicians called before it to give evidence.

The first phase will see the inquiry sit every Wednesday and Thursday, and increased sittings are expected after March.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe tabled another Dáil motion, which was passed, regarding members of the inquiry who may be absent for witness evidence.

Findings of fact

The motion says where a committee “has the power to make findings of fact”, as the banking inquiry has, any member of that committee “absent for witness evidence” shall be stripped of his or her membership.

Labour TD Ciarán Lynch, who is chairing the inquiry, said the same rules applied to the Dirt investigation carried out by the Public Accounts Committee in 1999.

“You can’t make a finding of fact without hearing everybody’s evidence,” Mr Lynch said.

“That requirement comes from the legal advice we got. It is important that we minimise the risk of any legal challenges and ensure the inquiry is conducted in a fair manner.”

Mr Lynch said there was a mechanism for replacing those who may be removed.