Ahern urged to explain delay in lawyer prosecutions

FINE GAEL have called on the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to explain the delay in gardaí completing their investigations into rogue solicitors Michael Lynn and Thomas Byrne.

“If the Garda investigations have been completed into the alleged activities of disgraced solicitors Michael Lynn and Thomas Byrne, the minister should state when papers were forwarded to the DPP. He should also clarify whether any decision has yet been made to initiate appropriate prosecutions and, if not, whether and when such prosecutions will be initiated,” Fine Gael justice spokesman Alan Shatter said.

Mr Lynn was struck off by the Law Society on May 23, 2008, and Mr Byrne on June 16, 2008. The Law Society’s compensation fund has compensated some of Mr Lynn’s and Mr Byrne’s clients with payments of over €7 million. Large fines were also imposed on Mr Lynn and Mr Byrne by the High Court amounting to €3 million. It is estimated the two former solicitors have left debts amounting to over €100 million unpaid to financial institutions.