Updated 12.15

The Law Society says Thomas Byrne was being investigated by them before his fraud, theft and deception came to light. It has emerged that he was previously investigated over concerns relating to his bookkeeping for his practice.

The struck-off solicitor (47) from Mountjoy Square in Dublin was yesterday jailed for 12 years for transfering clients' homes into his name and using them as collateral for €52 million in bank loans.

Victims say they are still out of pocket - and may never recoup the value of their homes, but the Law Society is insisting it did everything in its power to help the victims of fraudster Thomas Byrne, moving quickly to shut down Byrne's practice.

Law Sociey Director General Ken Murphy spoke told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk about how the Law Society became aware of Thomas Byrne's actions: 

Pat asked Mr. Murphy about regulation in the industry:

Vera McGrane's Mother was one of Thomas Byrne's victims - she spoke to Newstalk's Breakfast: