Conor Lenihan
Ceist:124 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the controversy surrounding a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8286/99]
Written Answers. - Company Investigation.
There have been many allegations over the years about irregularities in the affairs of this company. It was originally incorporated in Gibraltar in 1976 and essentially sprang from an industrial and provident society registered by the Registrar of Friendly Societies on 20 February 1975.
The company is in liquidation since 1984 by order of the Gibraltar Supreme Court. My predecessors have had extensive inquiries made in this case. I have been informed that there has been a full and detailed Garda investigation of the matter. On completion of the investigation, a file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions who, having considered the matter, directed that the evidence was insufficient to support a prosecution for fraudulent activities within the State.
Zimmerman & Company Limited, Thistlewaite House, Enfield, County Meath, has made representations to successive Ministers about the liquidation of International Investments Limited seeking the appointment of an inspector. The information supplied has not up to now been sufficient to convince the Garda that they should reopen their inquiries in this case. Notwithstanding the above, I have recently received further correspondence in the matter. I am currently reviewing the correspondence and I will respond to it later.