Vol. 481 No. 7
69 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he has taken to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards white collar crime as outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [17080/97]
The Minister is currently preparing legislation to reform the law on fraud which will take into account the recommendations of the Government Advisory Committee on Fraud. A number of recommendations have, of course, already been implemented — including the establishment of the National Bureau of Fraud Investigation, together with many of the recommendations included in the Law Reform Commission's report on the law relating to dishonesty. The legislation will comprehensively update and reform the law on fraud and should significantly enhance the capacity of the Garda to combat these types of offences.
As regards the implementation of the zero tolerance policy, while no crime will be exempt from enforcement the major focus will be on serious crime. The approach being taken comprises a range of practical measures and key legislative changes which will be directed mainly at the career criminal — in particular those who seek to profit from the deadly trade in illegal drugs whether as financiers, suppliers or pushers. These are aimed at assisting the Garda Síochána with resources to strengthen its operational hand and to increase the State's statutory armoury to deal effectively with those engaged in major crime.
