Martin Cullen
Question:32 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to enhance the resources and staff of the National Fraud Bureau. [9737/96]
Written Answers. - National Fraud Bureau.
On 11 April 1995 the Government approved the establishment of a new Garda National Bureau of Fraud Investigation as recommended by the report of the Government Advisory Committee on Fraud. The bureau replaced the old Fraud Squad and its functions are to investigate cases of fraud which (i) involve large sums of money or (ii) are complex in law or fact or (iii) are of significant public concern.
A chief superintendent was appointed on 25 April 1995 to head the new Fraud Bureau. The current strength, all ranks, of the bureau is 47. In addition there are five members attached to the Cork Fraud Squad, under the supervision of the detective superintendent in Cork city division.
A professional accountant was recently appointed, in line with the recommendations of the report of the advisory committee, to augment the expertise of the Fraud Bureau. The question of appointing further civilian accountants is the subject of discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance.
New accommodation located at the DMA Headquarters in Harcourt Square was provided and officially opened on 26 April 1996. Funding has been made available to provide bureau with the appropriate information technology and the latest data extraction analytical equipment has just been introduced to assist in the investigation and detection of fraud.
In addition, proposals to reform the law on fraud are currently being addressed and, if implemented, will result in a fundamental reform of the law in this area.
I am satisfied that the resources currently available to the Garda National Bureau of Fraud investigation are adequate to meet their present requirements. Their needs will, of course, be monitored on an ongoing basis and the question of providing additional resources will be addressed as required.