Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the Government is willing to facilitate further reviews into the Siteserv controversy – but has ruled out the prospect of an independent commission of investigation.

Mr Kenny said such a process would take a considerable period of time and leave the Government open to accusations that it is trying to kick the issue to touch beyond the General Election.

The controversy surrounding the sale of Siteserv by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) dominated Dáil proceedings for a fourth consecutive sitting.

Members of the Opposition said they had no faith in the review, which is being carried out by IBRC liquidator KPMG.

But Mr Kenny said the Government is willing to change the law to allow the Comptroller & Auditor General to carry out its own review if required.

There were angry scenes in the Dáil after Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy queried whether Mr Noonan should resign over the issue.

The Dublin South-West deputy said the facts surrounding IBRC’s handling of the transaction had to be “dragged out of the minister”.

Mr Kenny said he has complete confidence in Mr Noonan, whom he said was deemed to be the “outstanding Minister for Finance” by his European counterparts.

The Taoiseach said the review by KPMG into the sale of Siteserv to the Denis O’Brien-owned Millington will be completed by the end of August.

He told the Dáil a retired High Court judge, Iarfhlaith O’Neill, has been appointed to deal with any potential conflicts of interest that arise through the KPMG review.

Irish Independent