Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2013
60. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance his views on the delayed investigation by CARB into the role of Ernst and Young's auditing of Anglo Irish Bank's books, which awaits the completion of other investigations by the Director of Public Prosecutions; and his views on whether Ernst and Young should continue operating as normal when such a serious investigation is pending. [10572/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board (CARB) appointed Mr John Purcell to conduct an independent enquiry into certain matters relating to the conduct of the former auditors of Anglo Irish Bank. Mr Purcell also carried out an investigation into the conduct of certain officers of Anglo Irish Bank and members of CAI. In all cases Mr Purcell concluded there was a prima facie case. The next step in the process is for CARB to hold public Disciplinary Tribunals. However, these have been stayed following a request from the DPP who was concerned that the CARB prosecution of any of these cases could prejudice the criminal enquiry against the individuals or the firm named above arising from the various investigations carried out by the Garda and Regulatory Authorities.
Due to the sensitive nature of those issues, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the subject matter of the question.
