Financial watchdogs contradict Taoiseach on probe

Ireland’s State and Dáil financial watchdogs have contradicted Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s claim they can examine the controversial Siteserv deal, saying the issue is outside their remit.

The Comptroller and Auditor General and Dáil Public Accounts Committee clarified their position at the meeting of the cross-party group yesterday.

Responding to suggestions made by Mr Kenny on Wednesday that the bodies could examine the deal, C&AG Seamus McCarthy clarified that he does not “have the remit” to do so as both the IBRC and Siteserv are private firms.

The position was underlined by PAC chair John McGuinness and Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, who both said while they can get the “ball rolling”, any potential investigation cannot happen without new legislation.

Citing an apparent sudden contradiction in Mr Kenny’s view of the PAC, Fianna Fáil backbencher Ms McDonald said she found it unusual the body is now being asked to examine a private firm after having “our wings trimmed” over the past 12 months for examining the Rehab saga.

She said it would “seem extraordinary” if legislation allowed the C&AG and PAC “to look at Siteserv” but to prevent similar investigations into other companies which say they are private.

Mr McGuinness said the body will seek legislation through the Department of Finance on the issue, but only if any new law allows it to examine other contentious deals with private firms.

Mr Kenny said the C&AG was “correct” about the current legal position.

However, he added that the Government is looking into including him in some way in any investigation.

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