Written Answers. - Greencore Inquiry.
Mervyn Taylor
Ceist:
35
Mr. Taylor
asked the
Minister for Industry and Commerce
if he will outline (1) the up-to-date position on all aspects of the Greencore inquiries (2) the reports which have been received to date (3) the steps taken by him on foot thereof and (4) the further reports which are outstanding and when they are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I assume the Deputy's question relates to official inquiries being carried out under the provisions of the Companies Acts.
First, the High Court, on my application, appointed two inspectors under section 8 of the Companies Act, 1990, on 16 September 1991, to investigate the affairs of Siúicre Éireann cpt., and on 18 September 1991, the affairs of named related companies. The inspectors presented an interim report to the court on 7 October. Its contents by court direction are confidential. The inspectors presented a second interim report to the court on 11 November 1991 which I understand the court today decided should not be published. I also understand that the inspectors have been given a further period in which to proceed with their investigation.
Secondly, I appointed an inspector, under section 14 of the Companies Act, 1990 on 12 September 1991, to investigate and report on the persons who have been financially interested in the success or failure of certain named companies. The list of companies was extended to include Siúicre Éireann cpt. on 26 September 1991.
The inspector presented an interim report to me on 22 October 1991 which was published immediately at my direction. On foot of that interim report, on 22 October 1991, I directed, under section 16 of the Companies Act, 1990, that a certain debenture of Siúicre Éireann cpt. be subject to the restrictions imposed by that section. The interim report referred to possible non-com-pliance with certain aspects of the Companies Acts and, in that regard, I referred the report to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration of possible action.
I am not, at this stage, in a position to give an indication as to when the inspector will present his final report.
