Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:80 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the office of corporate law enforcement will be established and operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25025/99]
Written Answers. - Office of Corporate Law Enforcement.
Enabling legislation will be required before the office of the director of corporate enforcement can be established. My Department has drafted the heads of a Bill to achieve this and these are currently with the parliamentary draftsman's office. I am satisfied that the drafting of legislation will be progressed as a matter of priority and I expect to publish the relevant Bill early next year.
In anticipation of the passing of the necessary legislation, my officials are attending to the logistical requirements for the establishment of the office, including the recruitment of the necessary staff. This will ensure that the office will be operational as soon as the necessary legislation is enacted.
I am confident that the demanding timetable which we have set ourselves in relation to this task can be achieved. I hope, therefore, that the office of the director of corporate enforcement will be in place by mid-2000. I look forward to the establishment of the office. It signals a clear intention on the part of the Government to address in a serious way the failure of companies and their officers to comply with the law.