The former Taoiseach, Mr Albert Reynolds, has said he has no knowledge of any investigation by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in relation to his chairmanship of the oil exploration company Bula Resources.
Responding to reports that a $1.5 million investment by Bula in Bahrain was under investigation, Mr Reynolds said he had received no contact about any such investigation.
His only knowledge was gleaned from newspaper reports.
Mr Reynolds said: "I have no reason to believe that there is or there isn't an investigation. I haven't been notified by anybody. I haven't been contacted by anybody. I have nothing to fear even if there is."
The director of Corporate Enforcement, Mr Paul Appleby, declined last night to comment when asked whether he could confirm that an investigation had been initiated. "I don't comment on issues concerning possible cases."
A spokesman for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also declined to comment on reports in the Sunday Independent and the Sunday Business Post.
Mr Reynolds said everything he ever did during his time at Bula was in the best interests of the company and supported by its board.
