A decision on whether the Public Accounts Committee can hold an inquiry into the events that led to the introduction of the bank guarantee in September 2008 is expected by the end of this month.
A sub-committee of the Pac, which is examining the legal and procedural questions involved in setting up an inquiry, is due to report to the full committee in two weeks.
Pac chairman John McGuinness said yesterday there was public demand for a full inquiry into the decisions taken in the lead-up to the introduction of the guarantee.
He said people needed to hear publicly from those centrally involved in the guarantee and other matters which have led to the current financial crisis.
Pac vice-chairman Kieran O’Donnell expressed hope an inquiry could be held, and said the sub-committee was making a thorough analysis of what could be done.
“The key thing is that this issue is considered in a structured and comprehensive way,” he said.
“When the sub-committee has completed its work the issue will be considered by the full Pac.”