Ahern urged to explain delay in lawyer prosecutions
“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.
The failure of Mr Lynn to return to Ireland to answer questioning relating to a number of property and land deals he was involved with has also led to major delays in cases.
This week a High Court repossession case was adjourned once again due to Mr Lynn’s failure to explain his actions. If charges are presented in Mr Lynn’s case, his extradition from either Portugal or Bulgaria, where he is believed to have set up residence, could be sought.
Mr Shatter said: “Their appalling and indefensible conduct created substantial difficulties for many individuals and undermined public confidence in the legal profession. These individuals were first reported to the Gardaí by the Law Society more than three years ago. It is inexplicable that to date no known criminal prosecutions have been initiated. It is time that the minister for Justice explained exactly what is going on.”
A spokesman for Mr Ahern said: “This is matter for the gardaí... The Garda investigate crime and then they send files to the DPP. The minister has no function in that [prosecution]. It has nothing to do with him.”
