The following is an edited version of a statement by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation “As part of its programme of political reform, this Government has enacted new legislation to protect whistleblowers . . .

“I am aware of reports that an employee of my Department has forwarded documents to the Public Accounts Committee regarding allegations of tax evasion going back over several decades . . .

I understand the concerns the public has about tax evasion, and it is important to reassure people that all allegations in this regard have been examined by the relevant authorities. I am aware that the Public Accounts Committee is examining these issues, and considering whether further action is needed.

I am constrained in what I can say about these matters as they may be the subject of investigations and future court cases. I am also constrained in what I can say about them due to my obligations under the new Protected Disclosures legislation . . .

Following on from the preliminary inquiries on these matters carried out in my department since 1998, complete files covering all issues were . . . sent during the years 2004-2010 to the appropriate authorities – the ODCE, the gardaí, the Revenue Commissioners, the Mahon Tribunal and the Moriarty Tribunal. Some of these bodies have reported on the allegations in question and I understand the gardaí investigated them at that time and sent a file to the DPP.

In relation to the question of a statement under section 19 of the Companies Act 1990, following a request from me to my officials, this matter has been worked on for some time, advice is being finalised, and I expect this statement will be forwarded by my department to the relevant authorities very shortly.

This statement relates to wide-ranging and complex matters dating back over many years, and while this work was not completed as quickly as expected due to retirement of key personnel, I am advised that all matters contained in the statement are covered by the documents already submitted to the relevant authorities. I also note the statement issued by the gardaí last night in which it is stated that these matters were investigated in 2007 and that a file has been sent to the DPP. . .

Any decisions as to whether to proceed with further action remains a matter for the relevant authorities, and further questions in relation to the progress of these investigations should be directed to those bodies.