The former Chairman of Anglo Irish Bank Sean FitzPatrick has appeared at Dublin District Court on 12 new charges of financial irregularities at the institution.

The 64-year-old is accused of knowingly or recklessly making false statements to the bank's auditors Ernst & Young between 2002 and 2007, by failing to disclose loans or under-declaring the balance on loans, in breach of the 1990 Companies Act.

It is alleged that these loans were issued to Mr. FitzPatrick or those connected with him and that the sums involved total €285 million.

He has already been charged with providing unlawful financial assistance to members of the Quinn family and the so-called 'Maple Ten' of Irish investors in 2008 to enable them to buy shares in Anglo Irish Bank.

Dressed in a navy suit, blue shirt and red tie Mr. FitzPatrick took his place in the dock of Dublin District Court this morning.

Remanded on bail

Detective Inspector Ray Kavanagh gave evidence that the former Anglo Chairman was arrested by arrangement at the Bridewell Garda Station at 9.04am this morning, and replied 'no comment' when the charges were put to him.

At the end of the short hearing, Mr. FitzPatrick thanked Judge Michael Walsh who remanded him on bail until March 1st when the book of evidence is due to be served.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment and if he is convicted the 64-year-old will face a maximum jail sentence of up to 5 years.