Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

There are ongoing investigations by the Garda and the Director of Corporate Enforcement. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Ahern, has provided additional resources for that investigation as have I to the Director of Corporate Enforcement. This House facilitated additional legislative measures in order for that matter to proceed.

I appreciate, and I believe we all share, the frustrations concerning these investigations but unfortunately, unlike some others, the Government cannot be populist about this matter. In no way can we infringe on the current investigation which is very wide ranging. A considerable number of reports and interviews are taking place. The option is available to the Director of Corporate Enforcement, if he sees fit, to have an inspector appointed. We do not direct him. He is independent and has access to the courts if it is his considered view that an inspector should be appointed.

Our system of justice is not similar to that of the United States of America. We must deal with the legislative measures which we have at present. It would be imprudent of me or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to direct anybody whose function is independent of Government with respect to this investigation. What we can ensure, and assure people of, is an ongoing investigation and that the requisite resources required by the Garda and the Director of Corporate Enforcement are being made available. We hope this matter will be brought to finality as quickly as possible.

Regarding Anglo Irish Bank, I have heard comments by many people that the bank is not systemic. I do not feel it is appropriate that we should have a situation whereby we would allow this bank to collapse. That is why the decision was made to nationalise the bank. There are still business transactions there, though not as many as heretofore. There are still depositors in the bank.

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