Breaking news - Irelands Bankers being Arrested and Charged!

The former Chief Executive and Chairman of Anglo Irish Bank has appeared in court in Dublin charged in connection with financial irregularities at the bank.

Seán FitzPatrick was charged with 16 offences under Section 60 of the Companies Act. He is accused of permitting Anglo Irish Bank to give financial assistance to Patricia Quinn, her five children and ten senior clients of the bank who became known as the 'Maple 10', to enable the 16 to buy shares in the bank. He was granted bail to appear in court again on 8 October for service of the book of evidence.

Mr FitzPatrick was arrested by arrangement at 5.37am this morning after getting off a flight at Dublin Airport.

The 64-year-old was then taken to the Bridewell Garda Station where at 8.08am he was charged with the 16 offences.

Mr FitzPatrick did not speak during a brief hearing at the Dublin District Court this morning.

Detective Sergeant Brian Mahon of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, on secondment to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, told the court that when he arrested Mr FitzPatrick he cautioned him and asked him if he understood. Mr FitzPatrick replied "I do".

The detective told the court that Mr FitzPatrick replied "no comment" to each of the 16 charges.

His solicitor Michael Staines told the court that when Mr FitzPatrick became aware the gardaí were looking for him, he contacted his solicitor and organised to meet them this morning.

There was no objection to bail and Mr FitzPatrick was remanded to appear before the court again on the same day as two other former senior Anglo executives, Willie McAteer and Patrick Whelan, who were charged yesterday.

As in their cases, the court also heard the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that Mr FitzPatrick be tried on indictment, which means his case will also be sent forward to the Circuit Criminal Court.