Corporate watchdog lacks staff

THE Government has defended its decision to provide less than half of the extra staff sought by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).

The ODCE, which was set up in 2001, requested 20 additional staff in 2005 to cope with an increased workload. This week, the Government finally agreed to provide eight new staff.

Paul Appleby, director of corporate enforcement, has warned that he cannot pursue as many cases he wants due to the lack of resources. His office currently employs 36 people, including a number of gardaí.