With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I should like to make the following statement:
The position in regard to irregularities on the Erin Foods side of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta is being investigated by the company and the Garda. The company have engaged a firm of accountants to carry out a special audit, and investigations are also being made abroad. While certain stocks of Erin products have been located abroad, it will not be possible to arrive at any firm conclusions in regard to the nature and extent of the irregularities until the various inquiries have been completed. I can assure the House that a most thorough examination is being made but, in view of the complexity of the whole matter, as well as the geographical spread of the company's trading, this will necessarily take some time. In the meantime, the disclosure of the detailed information available could only hamper the investigations by the company and the garda and prejudice their outcome.