BANKING:An action due to be heard next week against former Anglo Irish Bank head of lending Tom Browne has been adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against former Anglo chairman Sean Fitzpatrick and a senior bank executive, Pat Whelan.

Both Mr Fitzpatrick and Mr Whelan had been subpoenaed by Mr Browne to give evidence as part of his defence to an action by Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, seeking repayment of more than €50 million arising from loans advanced to him by Anglo prior to its collapse.

When the matter came before the Commercial Court yesterday, Una Ní Raifeartaigh SC, for the DPP, said it was the opinion of the director it would be better to postpone the civil trial until after the criminal proceedings.