Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Fraud Squad.

Alan Shatter

Question:

45 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently members of the fraud squad; the rank of such members and whether there are any specialist lawyers, accountants or auditors attached to the squad; and if he will outline the resources and expertise available to the squad in conducting investigations.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

59 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice the proposals he has for the improvement of numbers and resources at the Garda Fraud Squad; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Peter Barry

Question:

134 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of firms being investigated by the Garda Fraud Squad; and if he has satisfied himself that his Department has the necessary expertise to identify firms that need investigation.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 59 and 134 together.

The levels of resources required by all sections and units of the Garda Síochána for the proper and efficient discharge of their duties are kept under constant review by the Garda authorities and the necessary adjustments in manpower or other resources are made as needed.

The Garda Síochána Fraud Squad at present comprises a detective superintendent, two detective inspectors, six detective sergeants and 35 detective gardaí. The strength of the squad is kept under review in the light of changing needs and circumstances. Currently, a total of 39 companies are being invesitgated by the Garda Fraud Squad.

While specialist lawyers, accountants or auditors are not attached to the Fraud Squad, the Garda authorities are fully aware that any specialist assistance that they may need in these areas will be readily made available to them. I am assured by the Garda authorities that investigations by the squad are not, and never have been, inhibited by any lack of resources, specialist or otherwise.

The legal services of the Chief State Solicitor's office and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are also, of course, made available as required to the Fraud Squad to assist with their investigations.