Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Steel Industry Irregularities.

Michael Ahern

Ceist:

113 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the allegations made by a person (details supplied) in relation to alleged irregularities in the scrap steel business for the past ten years while Irish Steel was in State ownership; if this person has forwarded to her the information of these allegations in his possession; if information has been made available to the Garda fraud squad; and the plans, if any, she has to have investigations made into these allegations. [11856/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

As I indicated in reply to a previous question on this matter, the question of any irregularities at the Irish Ispat plant, either past or present, and how such irregularities should be handled is a matter for the current owner, Irish Ispat Ltd. who is currently carrying out an internal investigation into these matters. My Department is not involved in this investigation and I do not propose that it should become involved. However, my Department will remain in contact with plant management and will be kept informed of developments.

I would encourage anyone with information regarding the alleged irregularities to forward such information to Irish Ispat Ltd. and also to the Garda.