The former directors of Anglo Irish Bank say their good names are being prejudiced by developments surrounding the inquiry into IBRC.

In a statement, the bank's former chairman Alan Dukes and his fellow directors say "not a single shred of evidence has been produced" to back up allegations made against them.

They add that the impasse surrounding the inquiry will extend this position, and are seeking full access to appropriate documents.

The finance minister Michael Noonan says he only became aware of legal difficulties surrounding the inquiry on Thursday night.

But Social Democrat TD Catherine Murphy told the Last Word that the problems might have been known about for much longer: