DPP raises new concerns over publication of Drumm statement

The inquiry said it will continue with its schedule of hearings, and will hold further discussions with the DPP about publishing Mr Drumm’s evidence.

Updated 9.20pm THE BANKING INQUIRY will not publish a statement from former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm.

Some members of the inquiry are understood to have been frustrated that when they sought advice from the DPP over Mr Drumm’s planned videolink evidence, the advice was simply not to accept the video link, and that concerns about the written statement are only being raised at the 11th hour.

In turn the inquiry sought clarity from the DPP and it was only tonight that came back.

Meanwhile, the committee is due to hear from friend and former advisor to Brian Cowen, former Anglo chairman Alan Dukes and Mike Aynsley who was CEO of Anglo after it was nationalised.

They have been informed of the statements made by Mr Drumm so they can reply.

The committee discussed the response in private session – it is understood it said that the statement should not be published.

The committee is now awaiting its own legal advice but that will not be available until later today. It has never gone against the advice of the DPP in the past.

But his written statement has now been accepted by the committee and forms part of its evidence.

He had requested to testify by video link, but the inquiry’s legal team advised against it.

A file on David Drumm was given to the Director of Public Prosecutions by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in 2011.

Mr Drumm has refused return to Ireland to answer questions from gardaí in relation to Anglo and the State is seeking his extradition.