Appropriate procedures must be in place to ensure something of the scale of Ansbacher can never happen again, the Tánaiste Ms Harney said today.
Speaking at a press conference following the publication of the Ansbacher report, she said the Government had already begun this process by establishing a new office to enforce company law and by significantly strengthening the investigative and enforcement powers of the Revenue Commissioners. In addition, a new financial regulatory authority would soon come into being, she said.
Ms Harney said it was now up to the DPP, the Revenue Commissioners, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and perhaps the Central Bank to take action.
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The Ansbacher Report unveils a "damning insight into a world of conspiracy fraud and tax evasion", said Ms Mary Harney.
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The report, she said, was "a damning insight into a world of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion over a long number of years".
It had implications for society, for regulatory authorities and the State generally. "I think we must reflect on how it was that this could all happen for so long and that no action was taken. And that is a poor reflection of our regulatory regime and our political regime over a long period of years," she said.
"Of course we have also taken down tax rates quite substantially and although high tax rates do not justify this behaviour there is no doubt that they encouraged people to engage in activities of this kind," she added.
She said it was a matter for the Minister for Justice to seek to recoup the costs of the report, some €3.2 million, and she hoped he would be successful in doing so.
"I do not believe taxpayers should be out of pocket and I would hope that those who have through their actions or inactions have facilitated this behaviour will be in a position to meet the full costs of the inquiry and the legal preliminary inquiry carried out by Gerard Ryan.
But even if that were not to happen taxpayers are already substantially on the plus side even if we go no further. But I am quite certain the Revenue authorities now have the determination and the powers to be able to purse corporations and individuals mentioned," she said.
The Revenue Commissioners have already collected €18 million in Ansbacher related investigations.
Ms Harney said publication of the "hard hitting" report was important. "I believe the public has a right to know what went on and I believe that making the report available best serves the public interest. It is right to reveal what others have fought to conceal over many years".
Furthermore she said the High Court inspectors who compiled the report had performed a very valuable service for the country and she thanked them for their work.