Haughey advice at centre stage in inquiry

Accountancy firm, Deloitte & Touche is set to appear today before an inquiry committee established by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) to answer questions about its role in giving both tax and book-keeping advice to the former Taoiseach, Mr Haughey. The firm was also joint auditor to the Dunnes Stores Group.

The meeting follows two days of questioning of accountancy firm Oliver Freaney & Co and one of its partners, Mr Noel Fox.

Mr Fox is understood to have answered questions about his dual role as a trustee to the Dunnes Stores Holding Trust and a partner of Oliver Freaney, which was a joint auditor to Dunnes Stores.

The Blayney Committee of Inquiry was set up by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland in October 1997 to investigate possible professional misconduct by some of its members named in the McCracken payments to politicians report. Its hearing are taking place in private, although the institute has said that it will publish any findings.

Mr Fox appeared as well as other representatives from Oliver Freaney. The hearings took longer than expected and Deloitte & Touche representatives are now expected to appear today, a day later than planned.

The firms provided both bookkeeping and tax advice to Mr Haughey. It was also joint auditor with Oliver Freaney to Dunnes Stores, while partners in the firm were trustees to the Dunnes Holding Group.

Mr Paul Carty, the firm's managing partner, who gave evidence at the McCracken tribunal is expected to appear along with tax partner, Mr Pat Kenny, who gave Mr Haughey tax advice. It is also expected that an audit partner will make an appearance, but it is not yet clear which one. Deloitte & Touche partners will be represented by a senior counsel, Mr Colm Allen.

The Blayney Committee was established last October under chairman, Mr Justice John Blayney, a former Supreme Court judge. Other members are Mr Brian Duncan, a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and Mr Paddy Shorthall, a fellow of the ICAI.

After a prolonged battle with the ICAI, a representative of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is also sitting in on the proceedings. Members of the ICAI who were named in the McCracken tribunal include Mr Haughey, Mr Fox as well as Oliver Freaney & Co and Deloitte & Touche.