Seanad debates

Thursday, 29 May 2003

Companies (Auditing and Accountancy) Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages.

 

I wish to comment briefly on the episode of fraud at the bank referred to earlier. This intricate case, carried out in the United States, bears out the importance of the role of directors. I share Senator O'Toole's view that directors are not responsible for such intricate frauds, provided all reasonable endeavours to secure the company's compliance are made and the relevant obligations, structures and controls are in place. If such reasonable endeavours have been made, it would be wrong for us to send out the message that directors must fall on their swords in the event that a fraud is expertly carried out. The AIB is following other financial institutions which have been connected with the individual concerned. I hope it will succeed in getting some of the money back.

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