Kenny rules out publishing legal advice given to Coalition about IBRC inquiry

By Juno McEnroe, Political Reporter

Enda Kenny has ruled out publishing legal advice given to the Coalition about setting up the inquiry into IBRC transactions, as the Opposition called for urgent legislation to be enacted.

A Fine Gael TD has also called for a financial assessment about how much money will now need to go into rescuing the botched inquiry, amid fears of mounting costs.

Opposition leaders have today submitted proposals on how to rescue the IBRC inquiry, following concerns raised by commission of investigation chairman Brian Cregan.

Judge Cregan says legal obstacles are preventing him using documents from the Department of Finance, among bodies, and that the inquiry could now take several years.

Mr Kenny this morning told the Dail he would not publish the advice received by the Cabinet from Attorney General Maire Whelan about setting up the investigation.

Fine Gael Waterford TD John Deasy said a financial assessment was now needed about how much the commission was now expected to cost, given it was taxpayers money.

The inquiry was tasked with examining 38 IBRC deals which resulted in losses of €10m or more for the taxpayer. The controversial sale of construction company Siteserv is chief among TDs concerns.

Opposition TDs want legislation to empower the judge to be published and enacted in the coming weeks.