Vol. 521 No. 1
82 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investigations into company irregularities being under taken by her Department; the findings to date in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16409/00]
Five examinations of company books and documents are ongoing in my Department under section 19 of the Companies Act, 1990. The companies involved are Celtic Helicopters Limited, College Trustees Limited, Guinness & Mahon (Ireland) Limited, Hamilton Ross Co. Limited, and Kentford Securities Limited. I will make a decision as soon as possible on the report on Irish Intercontinental Bank Limited, also under section 19, which has recently been completed.
My decision in mid-1998 to examine the books and documents of Dunnes Stores, (ILAC Centre), Limited and Dunnes Stores Ireland Company pursuant to section 19 of the 1990 Act is being judicially reviewed at present. I am expecting the High Court decision later this month.
Section 21, as amended, of the Companies Act, 1990, generally precludes me from publishing or disclosing any information in relation to section 19 examinations. However, I may disclose information on a confidential basis to other authorities in certain very restricted circumstances, and I have done so in the past to assist, for instance, the work of the Flood and Moriarty tribunals of inquiry.
A further three company inquiries which I initiated under section 8 of the 1990 Act are being undertaken by High Court appointed inspectors. The companies involved are National Irish Bank Limited, National Irish Bank Financial Services Limited and Ansbacher (Cayman) Limited. These reports will be published in due course to the extent permitted by the High Court under section 11 of the Companies Act, 1990.
