McLoughlin-Ansbacher link examined

Investigations into the Ansbacher accounts are believed to have examined accounts connected with people associated with the author of the "Note to John Furze", Mr Ray McLoughlin.

However, there are not believed to be any accounts in Mr McLoughlin's name and he has denied having placed money with or through Ansbacher (Cayman) "either directly or indirectly". Mr McLoughlin issued a statement on Wednesday identifying himself as the author of the note to Mr Furze, the Cayman Islands banker who was central to the running of the so-called Ansbacher deposits. The note was written by Mr McLoughlin after Mr Furze outlined to him how the discretionary trust scheme operated through Ansbacher (Cayman) worked and contained points to which the Irish businessman wanted a response.

However, Mr McLoughlin has said that he decided not to proceed with the discretionary trust.

The "Note to John Furze" was given to the Moriarty Tribunal by someone who had access to the papers of Mr Kyran McLaughlin, former chief executive of Davy Stockbrokers. However, Mr McLaughlin told the tribunal that he did not write the note and is believed to have told them that he believed Mr Ray McLoughlin was the author. It is not clear how he knew this.

Separately, Mr Ray McLoughlin's name surfaced in the investigations by an authorised officer appointed by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney. This is believed to have happened because of accounts or dealings involved with people associated with him through personal or family relationships.