Over 200 companies in Ireland identified as Panama Papers released

Millions of files from the so-called Panama Papers have been published online this evening.

The files, relating to thousands of offshore companies, were leaked from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca.

A number of Irish people are said to be named in the files.

Anyone in the world will now be able to search through the details of around 200,000 companies, trusts and funds to see who has placed their wealth in tax havens.

The Revenue Commissioners have indicated they will be studying the contents of the files.

The development charity Oxfam said that the publication is a significant blow against tax dodgers

Governments from about 40 countries are meeting in London this week to discuss ways of tackling the issue.

Oxfam Ireland chief executive is Jim Clarken said: "Well, there are over 200 companies in Ireland identified.

"Now it's not exactly clear who owns them yet, so that's why we want the Irish Government hopefully attending this global anti-corruption conference, which is happening later this week, to commit to this important transparency that's required to ensure that there isn't an opportunity for companies or individuals to hide their wealth offshore."