The following is the full text of the statement issued on behalf of Mr Dermot Desmond last night:Following publication of an article today in Magill magazine and the attendant comments in other media outlets, Mr Dermot Desmond would like to clarify issues relating to his dealings with Mr C.J. Haughey and to correct considerable misinformation which has been reported.
Mr Desmond did not make any payments to Mr Haughey while he was in public office, or indeed prior to 1994. Any arrangements which he had with Mr Haughey since that time are of a private nature.
Mr Desmond never at any time collected or solicited money for or on behalf of Fianna Fail. He has no idea who might be the "source" of information to the contrary because it is not true.
Regarding contracts awarded to NCB, between 1987 and 1992, NCB and its affiliate companies were awarded nine contracts or consultancy agreements from seven State or semi-state organisations. A competing stockbroking firm and its affiliates during the same period were awarded more than twice this number. (On a comparable basis, it is believed that between 1987 and 1992 more than 100 such contracts would have been awarded).
Only two of the contracts awarded to NCB required Ministerial or Government approval. One was Irish Life, where an international competition was won by NCB and Goldman Sachs. The other was the sale of the State shareholding in Tara Mines in which case the Government could not have publicised its intended share sale in advance and therefore a tender situation was not appropriate.
In relation to the International Financial Services Centre, Mr Desmond made no money from the centre nor from the building which he bought in the development. In fact, audited accounts show that Mr Desmond made a loss of £6.2 million in the purchase and sale of that building.
Mr Desmond did not receive any favourable treatment from anyone in relation to his involvement in the IFSC. Indeed, he is not aware of having received any political favours from any party on any matter.
There has been comment with regard to litigation which Mr Desmond has pursued against sections of the media in recent years. Mr Desmond confirms that he has pursued actions where there have been inaccurate or defamatory statements made against him or his businesses.
In 12 such cases, Mr Desmond has agreed financial settlements totalling more than a six-figure sum, all proceeds of which have been donated to charities in Ireland. The time and cost involved in pursuing these cases have been borne by Mr Desmond.
For information, Mr Desmond's solicitors are issuing proceedings against Magill magazine, its editor and the reporter in question.
If any of the above matters fall within the terms of reference of the current tribunal, Mr Desmond will offer his full co-operation, including confirmation that he is not, and never has been an account-holder or a beneficiary of the so-called Ansbacher accounts. In the interim, Mr Desmond just wishes to correct the inaccuracies and mischievous suggestions which have been made.