The High Court has been told that all files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as part of an investigation into the affairs of the former Anglo Irish Bank.

Mr. Justice Peter Kelly has heard that charges have been brought against former Anglo Chairman Sean FitzPatrick and directors William McAteer and Patrick Whelan.

It has been 3 and a half years but now it seems the probe by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) into the affairs of Anglo Irish Bank is almost complete.

There are 5 separate but interlinked strands to the investigation.

Yesterday and today saw charges brought against former Anglo Chairman Sean FitzPatrick and directors William McAteer and Patrick Whelan on one aspect of the case.

They are alleged to have provided unlawful financial assistance to 16 investors to enable them to buy shares in Anglo.

While all the files are now with the DPP the court heard the Director may require further evidence to be gathered.

For the 9th time the ODCE asked for the investigation to be extended this time by 3 years to allow prosecutions to be completed.

But Mr. Justice Peter Kelly expressed concerns that the case might not move as expeditiously as he would wish and instead he has given them 6 months.