The investigative shortcomings of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) identified by Judge John Aylmer in this case fell far short of the standard of impartial, unbiased and thorough investigation we expect and demand.
My predecessor, Minister of State Mitchell O’Connor, wrote to the Director of Corporate Enforcement on Wednesday May 24th, requesting a report under section 955(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2014. This report is to outline issues arising from the investigations by the ODCE into Anglo Irish Bank since 2008. In particular, she ordered that the report include an explanation of the following:
- the coaching of witness statements;
- late disclosure of documents;
- a perceived bias by ODCE investigators;
- the shredding of documents; and
- any other relevant matters.
This report is to be finalised as a matter of urgency and no later than June 23rd. All options will be considered to ensure mistakes of this nature cannot reoccur.