Gardai questioning former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick have extended his period of detention at Bray Garda Station in Co Wicklow by a further 12 hours. This required the approval of a Chief Superintendent. He can now be held until 6.30am tomorrow morning.
Mr FitzPatrick was arrested in his home in Greystones, Co Wicklow at 6.30am this morning. His home was searched and he was brought to Bray.
Sean FitzPatrick is being interviewed about allegations of false accounting under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act. He stepped down as chairman of Anglo Irish Bank in December 2008.
Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said, without naming Mr FitzPatrick, that he had always stated there was an extensive garda investigation underway.
He said he had been cautious not to prejudice that investigation and was eager to see justice take its course.
