The TD expected to chair an Oireachtas banking inquiry is dismissing claims the timing is political. A new Committee which will examine the collapse of the country's banking system is expected to be up and running by May before the Local and European elections.
That has led to claims that the timing could lead to political embarrassment for Fianna Fail just before the country elects new councillors and MEPs.
But Labour TD Ciarán Lynch, who is being widely tipped to be the Chair of the new Committee, told Newstalk Lunchtime that will not happen.
Earlier, the Communications Minister said a 'bias test' for TDs and Senators who want to sit on the Banking Inquiry is crucial to protect prosecutions against senior bank officials.
The test will ensure that any politician who wants to probe the banking crisis has not made any prejudicial comments about potential witnesses.
The new committee is expected to be up and running by May ahead of the Local and European elections.
Pat Rabbitte says the inquiry is important but the public will not be served by having trials thrown out of court.
Minister Pat Rabbitte spoke to The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk earlier.
He said he felt previous comment on the banking crisis should exclude parliamentarians from participating in the banking inquiry, except if they are known or seen to have a vendetta.
