Pubdate: 20 Oct 1998 Source: Examiner, The (Ireland) Contact: http://www.examiner.ie/ Copyright: Examiner Publications Ltd, 1998 Author: Mary Dundon and Mark Hennessy Note: The word "Tainiste" in this article is the Irish language word for "Deputy Prime Minister" TANAISTE VOWS TO BRING UNTOUCHABLES TO JUSTICE TANAISTE Mary Harney vowed yesterday to personally take legal action against the 'untouchables' of white collar crime if the investigation into the alleged banking DIRT tax scam reveals any criminal activity. The powers of the Dail Public Accounts Committee heading the investigation are expected to be widened this week to allow them deal with taxation matters and give legal privilege to witnesses. If this investigation produces evidence of any corporate or criminal activity, Ms Harney said she will take legal action. As Enterprise and Employment Minister she has the powers to initiate such action under the Companies Act. "We cannot have a situation where a woman goes to jail for nine years for stealing a handbag and people with money think they can get away with breaking the law." Speaking at the Progressive Democrats final Cork South Central by-election press conference, Ms Harney said she would also support cases being referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions if they do not come under the ambit of the Companies Act. "If some big operators think they are untouchables, then we will show them we are going to take on the vested interests when these powers come in." A joint proposal by the Tanaiste and Finance Minster Charlie McCreevy to appoint an independent regulator to the financial sector is expected to get Cabinet approval today. The Dail Public Accounts' Committee will today meet in private session to finalise its next move in the investigation before it resumes taking evidence in public tomorrow. Following an all-day conference with top officials, including Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell, the chairman of the PAC, Fine Gael TD Jim Mitchell, said all of their actions would be 'consistent with fair play and fair procedure'. On Wednesday, the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Donal Quigley, will be asked to return to explain the glaring contradictions which exist between him and AIB chief executive Tom Mulcahy. Meanwhile, Labour TD Derek McDowell last night produced a Dail motion to be debated during the party's Private Members' Time this week, which would significantly increase the PAC's powers. - --- Checked-by: Mike Gogulski