Anglo probe continues, says watchdog
The country’s top white-collar crime watchdog has insisted investigations into rogue operations at the former Anglo Irish Bank will not be disrupted by his early retirement.
Paul Appleby joined 7,700 public servants on a government deadline imposed to cut employee numbers by encouraging staff to retire early with pensions based on pre-pay cut salaries.
But the 57-year-old director of corporate enforcement has insisted his early retirement will have no impact on the Anglo probe, saying he can be easily replaced.
Mr Appleby, who has worked in public service for almost four decades, has informed Jobs Minister Richard Bruton of his intention to leave the post by February 29.
“With regard to the Anglo Irish Bank investigation, I assured the minister that my resignation would not impede its successful conclusion,” he said.
Mr Appleby said the High Court had been told last week of the progress made including the completion of two investigative strands carried out by his office.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) also indicated last week that state lawyers are likely to bring charges soon.
It could be a matter of weeks before individuals are charged following the three-year fraud probe.
Mr Appleby will be entitled to pension payments under the Public Service Retirement Scheme, announced by Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin in September.
He is likely to receive a lump sum of €225,000 upon his retirement, plus an annual €73,000 in line with his 39 years of service.
His salary is €146,000. He took a cut from €150,000 two years ago.
Mr Appleby said: “I have formally notified Richard Bruton, TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, of my decision to retire with effect from the end of February 2012 and therefore to resign as director.
“This has followed a period of reflection and discussion with my wife and family in recent weeks.”
Mr Appleby led an investigation into the National Irish Bank in which it was found to have overcharged clients and evaded tax for 10 years.
The bank was issued a €63m fine as a result.
He also took part in the investigation into the Ansbacher scandal involving a clandestine bank, which was unauthorised to operate in Ireland and was used by senior political figures in the Dáil to evade tax.
The Government has received 7,700 applications from public servants wishing to take early retirement under the scheme.
The health sector is expected to lose 3,500 workers, and 2,000 people will leave the education sector, 1,500 of whom are teachers.
One thousand have applied for early retirement from the civil service, 730 from local authorities, 192 from the defence forces and 298 from gardaí.
Mr Bruton and Mr Howlin will work together to appoint Mr Appleby’s replacement.
“I would like to pay tribute to the director for his major contribution over a long number of years to the work of the department and, in particular, in his role as director of corporate enforcement,” said Mr Bruton.
“In this latter role he has contributed significantly to improving standards of corporate compliance under the Companies Acts.
“I met with the director yesterday at his request. We discussed the implications of his decision for the investigations under way by his office and, in particular, the impact on the Anglo Irish Bank investigation.
“The director assured me that his resignation would not impede its successful conclusion.
“I would like to wish the director well for the future.”
