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RETIRED HIGH COURT judge Daniel O’Keeffe, who had agreed to head up the Commission of Investigation into certain transactions at IBRC, has told the government he won’t be able to continue in the role.
Ministers agreed at the start of last month that a Commission of Investigation into transactions at the former Anglo Irish Bank would be set up.
The probe, which will cost an estimated €4 million, will look at transactions where there was a loss of at least €10 million to the taxpayer. It will cover the period from 21 January 2009 to 7 February 2013, when IBRC was wound down.
The inquiry will look into whether Minister Michael Noonan or the Department of Finance were kept informed of certain transactions and investigate any deals that may have involved a preferential interest rate for certain clients.
Current High Court judge Brian Cregan is to take over from O’Keeffe as Chair of the Commission, the Department of the Taoiseach confirmed tonight.
“Mr Justice O’Keeffe has informed the Government that, for personal reasons, he is unable to continue to act as Chairperson of the Commission,” a statement said.
The work already undertaken by Mr Justice O’Keeffe will be available to Mr. Justice Cregan. This includes identifying suitable accommodation and the engagement of a legal team and ancillary services.
The establishment of the Commission of Investigation followed significant controversy over the bank’s dealings with businessman Denis O’Brien.
It will report by the end of the year.
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Why would the taxpayers spend 4million looking at why we ‘lost’ 10 million? then we will be down 14million and still have no answers, no prosecutions and no one responsible.
Typical… Going to be Dragged out as much as possible. The way we do things in this country annoys me
a cost of 4 million what the dogs on the street already know.sham
what do rats do on a sinking ship? catherine murphy is a fkg legend.
Only in Ireland….
No, such things and much worse happen in many countries, we really aren’t unique.
What about the people under 10 million its a joke.but hey the people will put them back into government again.any one watch vb last nite.
There seems to be a story every other day about dodgy dealings, why the f##k has no one been cited for these things… They get an ex judge and when it gets to hot in the kitchen he’s out! Ireland is truly a joke of a place I’m sorry to say
Well there’s a surprise !!
Yes bobby…. Let them eat porridge. Apparently fg think cake is to good. On the topic, it was always going to be the case that this would not come anwwhere a conclusion before the next election. And, where’s the fennelly commission report ???
Curiouser and Curiouser.
Ah well, as long as the appropriate accommodation and the engagement of a host of leeches is well in train we should not despair.
Probably too honest to do his masters bidding
Send €4m to find out where €10m went…..couldnt make this sh!te up
Love it Scottie. Would be funny only for the corruption.
I’m just guessing the new judge was appointed to the judiciary by FG.??
Why can’t we just have the criminal assets bureau do the investigation. That’s what they were setup for an won’t cost as much and criminal charges can be brought. AKA jail time and can take back the money from where ever it’s ended up
who set up cab?
If CAB investigate the poor lawyers wont be able to get their noses in the trough
All the transactions should be looked at not just the ones over 10 million that’s crazy so it’s ok if someone pocketed 9.9 million the shouldn’t have
very suspicious, again.
Judge Brian Creagan appointed by this FG/Labour government in 2014.
Fair enough. Once the truth is established, that’s all that matters!
Really??? Nobody will be made accountable so tax payer loses again!!
I agree with your sentiment KMac but it’s overwhelmingly unlikely the outcome would lead to any positive action or accountability unfortunately.
Spend 4mill to chase 10 like wtf!!!
Judge now quits afraid of the findings and having to actually maybe come down on his buddies more like it
All while this will come to nothing and all the legal eagles will get fatter and richer all thanks to the thanks payer!
Are the people in the country just going to take this time after time, pay tax after tax and just complain online about it? How there isn’t thousands upon thousands out on the streets protesting over how this country is being raped is beyond me
Brendan there have been thousands on the streets – the water protests weren’t just about water. Laughed off as lefty loonies.
The judge appointed by the government is going to look at deals which were set up by people appointed by the government who are government supporters ,Yes i can see the impartiality of that ok (not )……..Nothing to see here move on and pay your taxes ,While the taxpayers money is used to hide any wrong doing ,,,Only in Ireland
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