Commons inquiry into Northern Ireland banking system 16 July 2013 Last updated at 13:58 Westminster's Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is to hold a wide-ranging inquiry into the banking system in NI. The inquiry will look at the way banks are run, how they provide finance to small and medium sized businesses and access to banking in rural communities. It will also examine RBS/Ulster Bank's possible break-up and the role of the Irish government's 'bad bank', Nama. NI's banking sector has been accused by some politicians and customers of failing to lend to viable businesses. The sector as a whole has been battered in the property crash, running up huge losses, shutting branches and cutting staff. The cross-party committee is inviting written evidence with a view to holding public evidence sessions in the autumn.