At least 15 banking investigations referred to Garda fraud squad

At least 15 cases being investigated by the Director of Corporate Enforcement following the banking crisis have been referred to the Garda Fraud Squad, it has emerged.

The figure was revealed as a Government Minister rejected as "outrageous" a claim by Fine Gael that there had been political foot-dragging in the probe into Anglo Irish Bank.

Batt O'Keeffe says the Government will allow for due process and will not interfere with independent investigations.