The former Chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, Seán FitzPatrick, and a number of other executives will now not have to appear before the Banking Inquiry after an intervention by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It comes as another former executive at the bank, Tom Browne is being reported to the gardaí for failing to comply with the inquiry.

Mr FitzPatrick and a number of other former Anglo executives were due to appear before the Banking Inquiry in the coming weeks.

But the former Chairman and former executives John Bowe and Pat Whelan will not now give evidence to the inquiry after an intervention by the DPP who was concerned that the questioning could prejudice pending criminal proceedings.

Former Anglo boss David Drumm has sent a written statement to the inquiry which must be legally examined before it can be accepted - but it may mean he will no longer appear before the inquiry by video link as had been suggested.

Meanwhile another former executive Tom Browne has failed to comply with the inquiry's directions and is being reported to gardaí as the inquiries act says such faily to comply may be a criminal offence.

The Inquiry has written to Mr Browne also informing him they may go to the High Court for an order compelling him to give evidence.