Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This relates to the infamous Cabra account and the apparent diversion of EU funds to what was a dubious, potentially fraudulent, account. This is a long-standing issue. Unfortunately, the response from the Garda suggests that it cannot comment on the update in respect of this matter because it is currently the subject of an external investigation. My understanding is that the external investigation comprises the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF. A role may also have been undertaken by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC. I suggest we write to both of those bodies inquiring as to whether they are conducting investigations into the Cabra account and if they could provide us with a timeframe.

There is an issue with regard to a number of these external bodies which allows agencies that should be accountable to say they cannot comment while the other investigations are taking place. I note that previously, according to media reports dating back to 2017, the Garda refused to comment because the Committee of Public Accounts was investigating. Now, it is refusing to comment to the Committee of Public Accounts because another investigation is taking place. That is simply not good enough.

The issues pertaining to the Cabra account were well aired at the time. We still do not have the nuts and bolts, however, in terms of exactly what happened and, as a result, we cannot put in place procedures to ensure such activity does not take place in the future. My proposal is that we write to OLAF and GSOC inquiring as to whether they are conducting investigations and if they can give a timeframe as to when those investigations will be concluded.