An application from former Anglo Irish bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick to avoid giving evidence before the Banking Inquiry has been rejected.

Mr FitzPatrick, along with former Anglo executives John Bowe and Pat Whelan, made the application under section 72 of the Inquiries Act.

The Act allows witnesses to withdraw from an Inquiry, if they can show their evidence would prejudice legal processes or investigations.

The three bankers have the option to appeal their case to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Former Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy is to give evidence before the Inquiry tomorrow, while former Taoiseach Brian Cowen will appear on Thursday.