€200k stolen from State ‘mostly’ repaid

Most of the €200,000 stolen by a civil servant from the Department of Education has been paid back by his estate following a settlement after his death.

The State has been advised to pursue a negligence case against the institution where the civil servant banked, National Irish Bank, when the outstanding sum has been returned.

Cathal Wynne, of Toorphelim, Moate, Co Westmeath, took his own life in May 2006 at the age of 33, a week after suspicions had been raised about three cheques he issued on behalf of the department and he was placed under investigation.