Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

10:50 am

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the extensive work done on the Ansbacher accounts by Mr. Gerry Ryan who has, I understand, met the Committee of Public Accounts. Mr. Ryan has done the State some service. It is wrong to assume, as may have been the case in the past week, that nothing much came of his reports or that they were downplayed. We know that everything he did was referred to the appropriate authorities at the relevant time. The Revenue Commissioners have admitted that Mr. Ryan's work and the reports and material he provided led them to several cases which they successfully pursued against former Ansbacher account holders. These investigations generated in excess of €112 million for the Exchequer and six cases remain outstanding. I assume this income is separate from moneys that flowed to Revenue from the amnesty of 1993 which some of the individuals in question appear to have legitimately pursued prior to the Ansbacher investigation. We should welcome the new whistleblower legislation and accord to Mr. Ryan the acknowledgement he is due for his work. I have no doubt that we will hear more about the matter.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.