Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

On the latter issue, I have no information. A substantial amount of the information was obtained as a consequence of the Criminal Justice Act being enacted in 2011 and a great deal of it would have no relevance to the section 29 issue that has given rise to difficulty. In the context of the investigation, I do not know whether that issue arose. If it did, I am sure it is an issue to which personnel in both the Garda and the DPP's office will direct their minds. I have no information to suggest it is a problem or an issue, and I would not like it to give rise to any misunderstanding outside this House that it creates any particular difficulty in this investigation.

It is now for the DPP to determine on the basis of the files and all additional information furnished to her whether a prosecution or prosecutions should be initiated. This is a matter for the independent judgment of the DPP. Like everyone else, I am anxious that clarity be brought to these crucial matters as soon as possible. It is also important I do not say or do anything that could in any way prejudice any investigation into the matter. I am conscious an enormous amount of work has been done in this area by the Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. There is a considerable volume of information within the office of the DPP.

I welcome that both Deputies O'Brien and Calleary have from time to time asked me about these matters. It is important we have some sense, as best as I can provide, of where matters are going. The DPP is entirely independent. It is now for her judgment to determine, based on the enormous volume of evidence, documentation, information and, particularly, the files furnished to her, whether there are adequate grounds for the initiation of any or one or more prosecutions in respect of the different strands of investigations undertaken. Like every other Member of the House, every member of the Government is anxious to know the position. We would hope that prosecutions, should they be appropriate, would be initiated as soon as is possible.

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