Plan to speed up Siteserv probe to be discussed

Proposals to prioritise an investigation into the controversial IBRC sale of the company Siteserv to billionaire Denis O’Brien will be discussed between Enda Kenny and opposition leaders today.

The Taoiseach is expected to outline legislation which will allow a stalled inquiry to proceed. The inquiry will examine a number of state-owned asset sales by the former Anglo Irish Bank.

Mr Kenny’s department has consulted Judge Brian Cregan, who is heading the inquiry which has been dogged by concerns about confidentiality around the submission of documents as well as questions about how long the probe could take and how much it might cost.

The judge has also said he might need stronger powers, similar to those of a tribunal, as well as extra staff.

Government sources confirmed the issue of prioritising Siteserv will be discussed between Mr Kenny, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and the Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy today at the meeting.

It follows agreement between all sides that this part of the inquiry must be a priority. The last meeting between the party leaders heard how legislation to empower the inquiry and address the judge’s concerns would be referred to him before eventually coming before the Dáil.

A Government source said the briefing would outline progress being made for the inquiry, but not necessarily a final solution. There will also be fresh legislation outlined by Mr Kenny.

An interim report by Judge Cregan recently emphasised the problems facing his investigation.

There are 38 transactions being investigated by Judge Cregan’s team. The commission was set up to investigate all transactions that resulted in a loss of at least €10m to IBRC.