Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Seán FitzPatrick is no longer objecting to being cross-examined about dealings relating to a London office block, the High Court heard yesterday.

Chris Lehane, the court official administering Mr FitzPatrick’s bankruptcy, wants to cross-examine him over ownership of the Woolgate Exchange in London.

Lawyers representing Mr FitzPatrick in separate, criminal proceedings previously stated they feared examination in the bankruptcy court could prejudice the criminal case and asked that cross-examination be adjourned.

Mr Lehane’s lawyers argued there was no connection between the specific issue for cross-examination and the criminal action.

Yesterday Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne was told by Michael Staines, solicitor for Mr FitzPatrick, that he was happy for the cross-examination to proceed as Mr FitzPatrick was to be cross-examined on a narrow issue that would not have an impact on the criminal proceedings.

Given the media coverage that would ensue, Mr Staines asked that the court be mindful of the fact criminal proceedings were in motion.

Ms Justice Dunne said the proposed examination would deal with a discrete issue only and would not impact on the criminal case. She adjourned the matter for mention only to next month.

Mr FitzPatrick, from Greystones, Co Wicklow, is estimated to have debts of €150 million and assets of €47 million.