Banking Sector Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Questions (182)

Finian McGrath

Question:

182. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify which Department and what level of the Civil Service is currently handling the Anglo Irish Bank banking situation; if he will confirm if the Secretary General is involved in the investigations of the actions of those involved with the blanket guarantee of the bank previously known as Anglo Irish Bank and the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33538/13]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Department of Finance is not conducting an investigation into Anglo Irish Bank as they have no statutory responsibility to do so. As the Deputy is aware the Garda Síochána are the body responsible for criminal investigations in the State. I understand that the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation have requested access to various documents/materials in the banks, including audio recordings, and that the banks have fully complied with these investigations to date. It would be completely inappropriate for the Department of Finance to act outside of its legal powers and interfere with any investigation that could compromise potential future criminal or civil investigations by the bodies responsible under statute. As described above, I am advised that tapes have previously been provided by Anglo/IBRC to the Gardaí and a number of other authorities involved in investigations relating to Anglo Irish Bank and it is now up to those authorities to determine how they will proceed with action on foot of these tapes.