merrion street

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton today announced that Mr. Paul Appleby, the Director of Corporate Enforcement had advised him of his decision to retire with effect from the end of February 2012, and therefore resign as Director of Corporate Enforcement.

The Minister stated:

"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. 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 underway 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".

The Minister added that he will now engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the filling of the Director post.