THE COMMERCIAL COURT has refused to grant an extension into the State’s official probe into the affairs of Anglo Irish Bank – complaining that the slow pace of the investigation did not instil confidence.

Justice Peter Kelly adjourned the matter until the end of July, saying that the investigation into Anglo – which is now over two years old, but which has so far failed to result in any substantial action – was unacceptable.

RTÉ News notes the judge’s comments that the Anglo probe was not unique in this regard, however – with Kelly noting that he had sent papers to be considered by the relevant prosecution authorities in a number of cases where there had seemed to be criminal wrongdoing.

Despite the fact that witnesses in some of those cases had admitted their wrongdoing, no criminal proceedings had yet been given.

The probe is being undertaken by the Gardaí and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; the latter had requested an extension to the investigation last week, asserting that some key witnesses were not cooperating with the probe.

Previously: High Court judge asks: Will the Anglo probe ever be finished? >

Drumm among senior figures blocking Garda probe into Anglo >