It has emerged that the Oireachtas banking inquiry could be delayed following a row over which Senators can take part.

A Seanad Committee last night chose independent Professor Sean Barrett and Marc MacSharry of Fianna Fáil to sit on the Committee.

But two Labour senators were missing from the meeting and the government wants to replace the Fianna Fáil nominee with Labour Senator Susan O'Keeffe.

The Committee is due to hold its first meeting next Wednesday morning, but Fianna Fáil Seanad leader Darragh O'Brien says it could be delayed if the government tries to change the membership.

The inquiry is to be charied by Ciarán Lynch, along with eight other Oireachtas members.

Kieran O'Donnell (FG), John Paul Phelan (PG), Eoghan Murphy (FG), Michael McGrath (FF), Pearse Doherty (SF) and Stephen Donnelly (Ind) are among those that have already been chosen to sit on the committee.

In May, the Taoiseach said it would be months before the inquiry is up and running, and begins public hearings. He said the members of the new committee being set up to carry out the inquiry will have to work "incredibly hard".