Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 11: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the progress of the investigation into Anglo Irish Bank and when he expects any decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions [7064/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Deputies across the Chamber may be aware, I have in the past expressed concern about the level of progress with regard to the investigations into Anglo Irish Bank. I am most anxious that the investigations are fully and properly completed and papers in so far as is appropriate furnished to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that investigations into matters in Anglo Irish Bank are at an advanced stage. Two substantial investigation files were submitted to the DPP by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation in December 2010 and directions from the DPP are awaited. The investigation is ongoing and the investigation team continues to conduct necessary follow up inquiries in respect of the two investigations, in addition to investigations into other complaints received in respect of Anglo Irish Bank. I am also informed that the Director of Corporate Enforcement has submitted two investigation files and a number of reports to the DPP and that there is close ongoing co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

I made clear long before my appointment as Minister that I share the intense frustration which people have expressed at the length of time these investigations have taken. In saying so, I am not criticising the persons carrying out the investigations, who, I have no doubt, are taking forward what are hugely complex investigations in a professional and committed fashion. I am also conscious that as we near the stage where the DPP - who is entirely independent - is in a position to make decisions on these matters, we must be very careful in what we say and as Minister for Justice and Equality I must be especially careful.

On our appointment as a Government we identified three priorities in this area. First, we sought assurances from the people involved in the investigations that they were satisfied that they had sufficient resources. We received those assurances. Second, we made it clear that if at any stage they believed additional resources were required, that would be responded to immediately. Third, we inquired whether there were changes in the law which we could bring forward to help them in their work. In the light of that consultation, we will bring forward a criminal justice Bill in the coming weeks to address delays in the prosecution and investigation of white collar crime. All being well, I expect that Bill will be published shortly.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister for his reply. I agree that we are all frustrated with the length of time it has taken but we must accept, whether we are on this side of the House or in the Minister's position, that frustration and outrage is no substitute for hard evidence and hard evidence is what we need in this case. Could the DPP provide an indicative timeframe in this matter? There is a sense that it is dragging on and on. Before the Minister responds, I excuse myself because I must step out of the Chamber when the Minister finishes but I will come back.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is aware, the DPP is entirely independent in his function. It would be completely inappropriate for me, as Minister, to communicate about these matters directly to him. I understand and appreciate that the investigation is extremely complex and a substantial amount of documentation has had to be accessed and considered.

It is unfortunate that we did not reform our laws in these areas some years ago to provide for better and more efficient procedures to facilitate the Garda in the investigation of white collar crime and, in particular, to facilitate the Garda in the investigation of complex financial matters which give rise to this level of documentation. I trust the Bill I intend to publish will provide assistance to future such investigations, but, as it will be essentially a Bill of a procedural nature, it may also, if this investigation has not concluded by the time of its enactment, further accelerate completion of the outstanding investigations into the banking issues.