The Blayney Inquiry into possible professional misconduct of some members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) begins its first hearing next Tuesday, the ICAI has confirmed. Mr Justice Blayney, the inquiry's chairman; Mr Brian Duncan, a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries; and Mr Paddy Shortall, a fellow of the Chartered Accountants; will comprise the committee overseeing the proceedings. The inquiry, which will be attended by a representative of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will have the power to commission investigations and seek information or evidence from any person, firm, tribunal, Government agency or other body.

The inquiry is looking into the conduct of ICAI members named in the McCracken Tribunal report. Mr Duncan is a director of a number of companies and a past president of the Society of Actuaries and of Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Mr Shortall, is also a company director. The ICAI stated that details of the inquiry's findings, and any sanctions it imposed, would be published.