Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Ben Briscoe

Question:

51 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Justice the number, rank and responsibility of staff employed by the Garda National Bureau of Fraud Investigations; the budget for the bureau under the headings of personnel, equipment and technology and retention of services of outside accounting and legal professionals. [9107/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen):

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. They have expressed concern, and I share that concern, about providing the kind of detailed information sought by the Deputy on the grounds of security and in the interests of crime prevention generally. However, I can tell the Deputy that the total number of staff attached to the National Bureau of Fraud Investigation is 63. This comprises 52 Garda members, two civilian accountants and nine clerical staff. In addition there are four members attached to the Cork Fraud Squad, under the supervision of the Detective Superintendent in Cork City Division.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the National Bureau of Fraud Investigation does not have a budget and that all expenditure relating to its operation is met from the Garda Vote. Two civilian accountants are employed by the bureau to augment its expertise in this area. The office of the Chief State Solicitor and the Director of Public Prosecutions provides legal services to the bureau when required.