Vol. 432 No. 5
18 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the brain drain from the Garda Síochána where professionally qualified serving members are leaving the force; if she has satisfied herself that the Garda Síochána are equipped to combat white-collar crime and corporate fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I would like to inform the Deputy that neither I nor the Garda Commissioner are aware of a brain drain from the Garda Síochána. In fact, there are more members now entering the Force with third level qualifications than at any time in the past. In addition, over one third of members from Superintendent rank upwards hold third level qualifications, including diplomas. There are 259 members of the Force known to be participating in third level courses. The Garda authorities report that they are aware of only one member with a third level qualification who left the Force within the past 18 months.
I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána are equipped to combat white-collar crime and corporate fraud. The Advisory Committee's report and the Law Reform Commissioner's report on the Law relating to Dishonesty are being studied in my Department at present and I intend to bring forward legislation to provide the Gardaí with any necessary additional resources and legal powers in regard to the investigation of serious fraud.
The strength of the Garda Fraud Squad was increased by eight members between the ranks of sergeant and superintendent, even before the Advisory Committee on Fraud had reported, to bring it to its present level of 44.
A panel of accountants is available to the fraud section for use in complex accounting matters which might arise in some investigations.
