Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State indicated that documentation would be supplied to a person who is subject to an investigation. I do not see where that is in the Bill. I ask the Minister of State to point out precisely where it is. For instance, section 15 mentions a notice after a decision has been made by the head of financial regulation to conduct an investigation, and that the notice has a statement of the reasons for the holding of the opinion and a copy of such material on which that opinion is based. That is not all material. I do not see a general obligation to make available to a person all material. Saying "These are the reasons I am having an enquiry" does not mean that "I am now making available to you all material". I do not see where there is any provision in this Bill which states that in the case of the person in respect of whom an investigation is commenced, there is a duty to give him or her everything which is relevant to the case or which could be relevant to his or defence. I do not see that in the text of the legislation.