Enda KEnny and Eamon Gilmore have discussed the banking inquiry this afternoon following the resignation of Independent TD Stephen Donnelly.

Earlier, Mr. Donnelly called for the Oireachtas banking inquiry to be carried out by an independent body - with no politicians. He made the comments following his resignation from the Inquiry, after the coalition this week added two senators to the committee to ensure it had a government majority.

The Independent deputy claims the actions of the Government have shown that they will use their majority to control the outcome of this investigation and that the original "unintended composition" of the committee would have been trusted by the public far more than one with a Government majority.

Kenny and Gilmore have discussed the matter today and a spokesperson for the Government has confirmed that no whips will be imposed on party members serving on the inquiry.