Vol. 502 No. 4
22 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the response, if any, she has received from the Revenue Commissioners or the Director of Public Prosecutions to the report of the authorised officer into certain matters involving National Irish Bank and its associated companies; when the final report of the inspectors appointed by the High Court to these companies will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8323/99]
The report of the authorised officer into the sale by National Irish Bank Financial Services Limited of certain insurance products had been passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Revenue Commissioners. I have been advised that the Director of Public Prosecutions has referred the report to an Garda Síochána for investigation. As regards the Revenue Commissioners, they have sought and continue to seek further documentation and information from the authorised officer who is dealing with their queries as they arise.
A legal challenge to the inspector's work by certain National Irish Bank managers was only resolved in the Supreme Court on 21 January last. In a further challenge to aspects of this case the High Court on 19 March 1999 ruled against National Irish Bank Ltd. and National Irish Bank Financial Services Ltd. in their application to prevent the inspectors from investigating the bank's compliance with deposit interest retention tax – DIRT. The court also rejected the bank's claim that it was entitled to copies of all transcripts and documents relating to interviews carried out by the inspectors with staff and customers.
