Vol. 845 No. 1
65. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a new Garda Commissioner will be appointed; if the Commissioner will be appointed in advance of the establishment of an independent policing authority; if she will outline the appointment process and those persons involved in the appointment of the Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26909/14]
Will the Minister outline the appointment process for the vacant permanent post of Garda Commissioner? Last Friday, she made a public comment on it. In particular, will she outline the steps in the process and who the central people will be in the process? Two weeks ago I met representatives of the independent Northern Ireland Policing Board and they said the chairperson and chief executive of the board was assisted by a human resources consultant based in Dublin, whom I will not name, in making appointments.
As part of our comprehensive programme of justice reform, the Government has recently announced that, in future, the post of Garda Commissioner will be filled by way of an open competition, including with respect to the current vacancy. The comprehensive programme of justice reform also includes the proposed establishment of an independent Garda authority, which I hope to have up and running by the end of the year. These two reforms are among the most significant in the history of the State in regard to policing.
The competition for the current vacancy will be organised by the Public Appointments Service. The process will be transparent and will seek candidates of the highest calibre. As previously indicated, it is intended that the competition process will commence towards the end of next month, with advertisements being placed. The fact that the recruitment competition will be an open rather than a purely internal competition means that the recruitment process will take a number of months, so that the final selection will take place towards the end of the year, around the time of the establishment of the new independent Garda authority.
I am hearing different views on this. While some people are calling for the post to be filled sooner rather than later, it is important that this process take account of the establishment of the new Garda authority and its intended role in the appointment of senior Garda posts, including that of Commissioner. While the authority’s role in this regard will be subject to careful consideration during the ongoing preparation of the establishing legislation, the fact that the recruitment competition will proceed in parallel with the process of establishing the authority allows an opportunity for the emerging and developing body to inform the recruitment process.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
The comprehensive reform programme is being overseen by the Cabinet committee on justice reform and is being further informed by ongoing consultations by both the Government and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. As part of these consultations, last Friday I hosted a consultation seminar on justice reform in Farmleigh, attended by more than 100 participants, including representatives of the Deputy’s office. The feedback from the seminar will inform the work of establishing the authority and decisions on its role and functions regarding matters such as appointment of senior Garda posts, including that of Garda Commissioner.
I raised this matter in the recent debate on Deputy Ross's Bill. Has the Minister considered the appointment of an interim board before the establishment of the independent policing body? If the Public Appointments Service is running the recruitment process, will its selections be presented to the new, independent policing authority at the end of the year? Will the independent policing authority have an input into the process? If the independent policing authority is to have confidence in the new Garda Commissioner or chief of police, it is reasonable to expect it to be central to the process that identifies such a person. Would the Minister appoint an interim board and acting CEO to assist the Public Appointments Service? What did the Minister mean when she said it would be a transparent process?
By "transparent" I mean that advertisements will be placed internationally and the Public Appointments Service has a very clear process that will be followed in terms of recommendations. The Deputy's question is slightly premature in that the Cabinet took a decision on an independent policing authority, and both processes - the appointment of the Garda Commissioner and the development of the authority - are moving along in parallel. We have yet to develop the precise detail of the legislation that will lead to the establishment of the independent Garda authority. The Deputy's questions were central to the consultation seminar I held last Friday in Farmleigh and to the justice committee's deliberations and visits to Belfast and Scotland.
From the way independent Garda authorities are handled in different countries, it is very clear that the process varies in terms of involvement by governments, involvement by policing authorities, the way appointments are handled and the personnel involved. In Farmleigh on Friday, all the stakeholders asked about the role and responsibility of a new Garda authority and its relationship with the Government, the Oireachtas, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Inspectorate. Towards the end of the year we will, hopefully, be able to move forward with certain elements of the Garda authority, whether appointing a chairman or taking other decisions. We will ensure that, with the way the two processes are developing, there is the potential for the kind of overlap the Deputy describes.
I welcome the Minister's answer. Appointing a chairman designate of the new policing authority should be considered as part of the process, as it might get over the concerns I raised. Below the level of Garda Commissioner there are several vacancies, including assistant commissioner and chief superintendent. The recently departed Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, had been central in a number of interviews to form panels to fill a number of these vacancies. Bearing in mind where we are going with the independent policing authority and the appointment of a Garda Commissioner, what is the status of these vacancies? I asked this of the Minister's predecessor, Deputy Shatter. On our trip to Belfast and Edinburgh we learned that the independent policing boards are responsible for appointing the chiefs of police and their most senior people. We have vacancies in the most senior ranks of Garda under the Garda Commissioner. Will the interviews already undertaken be set aside? Will we begin a new competition for those vacancies, and who will run it?
I welcome last week's promotions to the ranks of Garda sergeants and inspectors and the Garda Síochána has generally welcomed them.
The matter about which the Deputy asked is still being discussed. The same considerations apply as I set out in relation to the development of the authority. There is no decision on that issue right now; it is a matter under consideration.
66. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the lack of co-operation at management level in the Donegal division of An Garda Síochána with a Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission investigation relating to the murder of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who was murdered over two years ago on 17 June 2012. [26922/14]
In June 2012 Mr. Seamus Doherty was murdered at his home in Churchill, County Donegal. The family had very serious concerns from the get-go about the investigation by An Garda Síochána. I will go into that matter in more detail in my response to the Minister's reply. My concern is the apparent lack of co-operation from the management of An Garda Síochána in County Donegal with the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission investigation following a complaint from the family.
My Department had been advised by the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, that issues had arisen last year in obtaining some information from An Garda Síochána related to the investigation of a complaint. It has been further advised, however, that the issue has been resolved and that all relevant documentation requested by the ombudsman commission has been provided. I understand the complaint remains under investigation by GSOC.
I have been further advised that a second complaint was admitted by GSOC in March 2014 for investigation by GSOC personnel pursuant to section 98 of the Garda Síochana Act 2005. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 established GSOC to receive complaints from members of the public concerning the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána. The Act stipulates that GSOC is independent in the exercise of its functions and I do not have a role in the processing of individual complaints which are referred to it for investigation.
As with the Deputy, I regard full co-operation by An Garda Síochána with the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission as extremely important. It is a matter in respect of which everyone has work to do. As the House has previously been informed, revised protocols were agreed and signed by the chairperson of GSOC and the Garda Commissioner on 23 September 2013 to ensure the highest possible level of co-operation between the two organisations. I met representatives of GSOC yesterday and had a long meeting to discuss the protocols and other issues. Progress is being made. I have also agreed that new legislation should be introduced regarding GSOC and I hope to introduce it in the House before the summer recess with the co-operation of the Deputy and Deputy Niall Collins.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
More recently, in response to the findings made in the Cooke report, the Government has agreed that the proposed new Bill to reform the workings of GSOC will further clarify and strengthen the provisions relating to the preparation and implementation of protocols relating to co-operation between gardaí and GSOC. Once the Bill is enacted, compliance by gardaí and GSOC with agreed protocols will be obligatory under statute. It is my intention to publish the Bill shortly with a view to consideration by the Oireachtas before the end of this term.
From my dealings with the family of the late Mr. Doherty, I understand his body was found in the early hours of the morning of 17 June 2012 in the bathroom of his home. There were signs of an assault on his body and the bathroom scene suggested a struggle. There were various items and water on the floor and it was clear that something had taken place which gave cause for concern. However, it took three days for a murder investigation to commence. There are all sorts of questions mark over the preservation of the scene, the questioning of witnesses and the people in the house and procedures. There were serious concerns from the get-go not only among the family but also in the wider community. When GSOC sought to investigate the matter initially, it did so pursuant to section 94(5) of the 2005 Act, which provides for a supervised investigation. It had to change the nature of the investigation owing to the lack of co-operation. The lesson is that in moving forward there must be full co-operation from An Garda Síochána with GSOC to allow public confidence to be restored.
The Deputy is absolutely right in what he has said. I am informed that An Garda Síochána states it has made full disclosure and is co-operating fully with all requests from GSOC with regard to these investigations. When I hear the Deputy speak about the horrific details of the murder, my first thoughts are with the family and the terrible situation they have had to face.
In terms of the issue raised, the Guerin report investigated 12 cases and made a number of points about how gardaí investigated serious cases. Mr. Guerin made a number of recommendations and I have asked the Garda Inspectorate to take that part of the Guerin report, examine the points made and make any necessary recommendation. The interim Garda Commissioner said An Garda Síochána was examining the report and that implications arose from it, on which she intended to act. I have also asked for the Garda's response to the report.
I thank the Minister for her approach to this issue. I am conscious that she is new in the Department and that this is a fresh start. Later this year we will look at legislation to strengthen the powers of the ombudsman and make them clear. Deputy Niall Collins alluded to the meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence with the ombudsman in the North and the PSNI board. What is clear is that the ombudsman in the North has clear legislation covering its powers, full discovery and the co-operation it expects to receive. There has been a history of Garda senior management procrastinating when it comes to co-operating with the Garda ombudsman. In the case of the murder of Mr. Seamus Doherty in County Donegal and other cases, there must be no doubt that full co-operation in a timely fashion is expected in order that the Garda ombudsman can do its job speedily and have the full confidence of the public that it has the power, ability and resources to get to the bottom of allegations.
I regard full co-operation from An Garda Síochána with the Garda ombudsman as extremely important. When the Cooke report was published, I said working together and sharing information needed more than protocols or legislative change. It is also about a change in culture. There must be learning on both sides. We want to see an oversight body going about its work with full co-operation from An Garda Síochána. That is in its interests and in the long run such co-operation is to its advantage and ensures citizens have faith in the force and will work co-operatively with it. Lessons can be learned on both sides. There are outstanding issues in regard to full co-operation in a timely way from An Garda Síochána. What the interim Garda Commissioner said recently about the level of co-operation she expected between the two bodies was an important first step.
67. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the presence of a large number of gardaí at a peaceful community protest by residents against the installation of water meters at Tonlegee Drive, Edenmore, Dublin 5 on 12 June 2014; and if, in view of this and the presence of gardaí at other similar peaceful protests around the country, she believes it is a proper use of Garda resources to be deployed in this way. [26911/14]
I ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to justify the presence of large numbers of gardaí at peaceful community protests against the installation of water meters in Dublin and elsewhere, particularly in the light of the fact that the austerity programme that gave rise to water meters and water charges has been totally discredited and now has no mandate following the recent elections.
The installation of water meters has given rise to protest action by individuals and groups opposed to the introduction of water charges. Legitimate, peaceful protest as an expression of a particular viewpoint has its place in society. There is no argument with this, but there are other, equally legitimate, rights that must also be protected. The right of a person to go about his or her lawful business and make a living free from unwarranted interference is one such right. Where the exercise of these rights raises the possibility of a breach of public order, it is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to act to prevent such breaches.
It is important that the House be aware that the gardaí were present in the area on the day in question to maintain public order and enable workers to go about their lawful business. Their presence was also required as a result of makeshift and illegal water connections having been installed. Such unauthorised work could have compromised the water supply in the area. The Garda presence facilitated the contractors in carrying out the necessary work to prevent this risk. I am informed by the Garda authorities that after this work was completed the gardaí withdrew from the area.
It is for An Garda Síochána to take the necessary measures in regard to such matters, having regard to the public interest including the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of the public. However, I am sure the Deputy will agree that there is no reason both the rights of the protesters to protest and the obligations on An Garda Síochána where public safety is concerned should necessarily be in conflict. On some occasions the gardaí are placed in a difficult position, but I have no doubt they would also receive criticism if they decided not to police such events and if persons engaged in lawful employment or members of the public were prevented from going to work or, worse, were endangered or injured, accidentally or otherwise.
In many parts of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and other areas around the country, ordinary householders and taxpayers have been peacefully protesting against the installation of water meters, because they know that these are the tools by which the Government is to impose yet another austerity tax upon them. These people have been forced to carry so much already, as part of the bailout of bankers and bondholders.
This was a huge issue at the local and European elections. The policy of Fine Gael and the Labour Party was flatly rejected and the moral right is entirely with the householders and those protesting, yet the Government is using the Garda to try to force this development on people. Is that not the case? I put it to the Minister that at a time when many people complain that they cannot get a garda when they need one in emergency cases, perhaps a case of domestic abuse or some other issue, this is a scandalous waste of public resources.
I put it to the Deputy that the installation of water meters is being carried out on behalf of Irish Water in accordance with what is a statutory responsibility and a democratic decision. Clearly, all citizens are entitled to peaceful protest and I would affirm that right, but rights come with responsibilities. Equally, if people have the right to protest, there is a responsibility not to breach the law. I am not sure whether the Deputy would stand over the danger of compromising the water supply in the area. If that is what has happened and if the gardaí were there to ensure proper water meters were installed, they were supporting Irish Water in carrying out their statutory duty and responsibility. I thought the Deputy would not support efforts that prevent working people from getting on with what they were being paid to do in those circumstances and in similar circumstances around the country where they are installing water meters.
I put it to the Minister that she is coming at it from the wrong angle completely. The fact is that this new water tax, which will be a huge burden on families - the Taoiseach said the so-called full cost recovery will be €580 per household - is a tax too far and there is outrage about it. Fine Gael and the Labour Party learned that in the campaign for the recent elections. Therefore, this tax and the means employed to implement it have no democratic mandate and no moral authority. That is why citizens all around the country are objecting to it. The Government should end the policy of water tax and metering. This is a waste of taxpayers' funds which should go instead to fix the pipes, where there is huge leakage, rather than to send gardaí into communities to enforce a tax that is discredited before it even begins.
Clearly, the Deputy is giving his opinion on the tax, but I am speaking about the role of gardaí in the maintenance of public order, if there is a threat to it. Of course, people have a right to protest, but, equally, others have a right to go about their work in installing water meters and doing the job Irish Water is obliged, under statute, to do. That is precisely what was happening on the day in question. In the opinion of senior officers responsible for the deployment of gardaí, the numbers deployed were proportionate to the level of threat posed. I am sure the Deputy does not object to the actions of gardaí in ensuring during the recent spell of good weather that we did not have a repeat of what happened on the beaches in Dublin last year.
Is the Minister comparing residents to vandals?
Gardaí took the appropriate steps to maintain public order, rightly so, and they have been praised for so doing. I put it to the Deputy that they were taking the appropriate steps in the context of the incident referred to.
The Minister cannot compare residents and taxpayers with vandals.
68. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations as suggested in the review of the action taken by An Garda Síochána pertaining to certain allegations made by Sergeant Maurice McCabe by Seán Guerin, SC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26910/14]
I am seeking an update on the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations made in the Guerin report. We have a good understanding of the primary conclusion made in the report, having discussed it in the House, namely, that Sergeant Maurice McCabe was completely vindicated. We are awaiting the terms of reference of the forthcoming commission of investigation. There were a number of other recommendations made in the report, while a number of specific actions were flagged. I ask the Minister to update us on the issue.
As the Deputy said, we have had an opportunity to discuss the Guerin report in the House and consider some of the wide range of issues addressed. These issues are complex and deep-rooted, ranging from high level issues such as oversight, change management and the role of whistleblowers to local administration and internal communication, as well as matters of basic policing, performance and human resources.
I have been reviewing the conclusions and recommendations made in the report. The Government agreed to a set of measures in response to the report. We are establishing a further commission of investigation as recommended in it. This will be an independent inquiry headed by a senior judge. On foot of the publication two weeks ago of the Cooke report, the Government will now proceed to finalise the terms of reference of the commission which will generally be in line with those recommended by Mr. Guerin in his report. He made a number of recommendations, particularly with regard to the cases that merited further inquiry. I intend to put a resolution to the House to establish the commission during this Dáil term.
I have already stated in the House that I have asked for an independent expert review of the performance, management and administration of the Department of Justice and Equality. The review group, chaired by Mr. Kevin Toland, began this work in recent weeks and I look forward to receiving its report in July. The Garda Inspectorate has been asked to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into Garda management and the wide range of operational issues addressed by Mr. Guerin following his examination of various cases.
Amendments have been made to the Protected Disclosures Bill to enable GSOC to be prescribed under the Bill as a body to which Garda whistleblowers may report concerns. New legislation will be introduced shortly to strengthen GSOC. The comprehensive programme of initiatives and reforms I have outlined deal with many of the recommendations made in the Guerin report.
There were numerous operational and procedural matters identified by Mr. Guerin in his report, including the fact that, in some cases, the procedure for taking statements resulted in the withdrawal of complaints of a criminal nature. In the context of disciplinary proceedings being taken against a probationary garda, he recommended that a report be prepared on the adequacy of the supervision of the said probationary garda. He also referred to the need for procedures to be put in place to ensure CCTV footage was obtained by investigating gardaí. He further recommended a review of the operation of the PULSE system. He recommended reform of the application of station bail and, in particular, section 2A of the Bail Act. The report made particular reference to the need for direction and guidance to be provided for members of An Garda Síochána on victim impact statements. The Minister has said the Garda Inspectorate has a job of work to do in this context and that she is awaiting the outcome of its investigations.
Does she intend to undertake a review of the bail legislation separate to that being carried out by the Garda Inspectorate? Has she considered reviewing the code of conduct for the Garda Síochána in the context of how members of the force behave? In so far as is currently possible and in view of the fact that she is new to the role, is the Minister satisfied that if a whistleblower similar to Sergeant Maurice McCabe were to emerge, he or she would be dealt with properly? Is she satisfied that proper and adequate procedures have been put in place to facilitate such a whistleblower?
The Deputy asked a large number of questions.
Yes.
I do not believe the interim Garda Commissioner is obliged to wait until the commission of investigation has completed its work before initiating changes in response to the Guerin report and in respect of some of the issues the Deputy has identified. I have been assured that work is under way regarding this matter. Changes are currently being made - and others will be made in the future - in respect of various recommendations in the Guerin report.
The Deputy also inquired about legislative change. The Guerin report makes a number of points about matters in respect of which legislative change should be considered. I will certainly analyse those but I am not in a position to comment on them at present.
It will be possible for Garda whistleblowers to report under the terms of the Protected Disclosures Bill, which was recently passed by the House. One can never be absolutely sure with regard to the question the Deputy asked in the context of how organisations deal with whistleblowers. There has been enormous focus on this issue and there is a new awareness about it. As a country we are learning more about it. It is obvious that mistakes have been made. The Garda must make it clear that whistleblowers will be dealt with in an appropriate manner and that suitable systems will be put in place to facilitate this. As the Deputy and I are aware, a number of issues arose recently in the context of Sergeant McCabe's return to work. The interim Garda Commissioner returned to the relevant Oireachtas committee and provided it with further information designed to address concerns about the issues in question. I am of the view that there is a new approach to whistleblowers within the force, but it is clear that the position in this regard will have to be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Garda authorities and me.
I ask Deputies to be aware of the clocks throughout the Chamber which show how much time they have for contributions.
Will the Minister indicate whether she has any thoughts regarding the code of conduct relating to the Garda Síochána? Is the Minister in a position to indicate the timeline in respect of the publication of the terms of reference of the forthcoming commission of investigation and the likely establishment date for that body? How long will it be before the commission produces both an interim and a final report?
The terms of reference must be discussed by Cabinet. The potential timeframe involved will be dependent on the completion of the terms of reference and discussions with the person appointed to chair the commission. The commission will be obliged to carry out a great deal of work. The first action we must take is to draw up the terms of reference. I hope to bring the latter to the Dáil before the end of the current session and that the commission will be in a position to begin its work shortly thereafter.
The best way to approach this with regard to the code of conduct is to await and take cognisance of the response of the Garda Inspectorate to the matters that emerged in respect of gardaí in the Guerin report.
No doubt that is part of what the inspectorate is examining. Its report should be available to me later this year.
69. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation has the necessary resources to deal with all reports of alleged white collar crime; and if there is a joined-up approach to tackling white collar crime with the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, with the requisite resources deployed. [26923/14]
My question follows media reports on the Bar Council's annual conference. Mr. Remy Farrell, senior counsel, heavily criticised the lack of resources given to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, ODCE. He expressed the view that there was never a better time for white collar criminals to get away with it. These were serious comments. Mr. Farrell is one of the most eminent practitioners in tackling this area and seen as a leading expert. His comments, therefore, were alarming. What is the Minister's response?
While the deployment of resources within An Garda Síochána is a matter for the acting Garda Commissioner, I have received a detailed report from her on the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, GBFI, and its functions. As the Deputy will be aware, the acting Commissioner has initiated an immediate comprehensive review and strategic realignment of An Garda Síochána's capacity to deal with emerging and complex crime and this will have an important bearing on how these functions are performed. As the Deputy has rightly noted, a major challenge facing the bureau is the rapidly changing environment in which white collar and other criminals operate, as well as the scale and complexity of some white collar crime investigations. As part of the review process An Garda Síochána is liaising with its international partners and national institutions to identify collaborative approaches. Clearly, international work and co-operation are singularly important in the investigation of these crimes. I am in ongoing contact with the Garda authorities in this regard.
The Government moved rapidly to provide new legislation with the Criminal Justice Act 2011 which served to help to speed up investigations into white collar crime. The acting Commissioner is aware that I will give careful consideration to additional proposals from the Garda authorities in this regard. Furthermore, while specialist and major investigations are a matter for the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, many types of white collar crime are investigated by local units within An Garda Síochána with support and advice from the bureau. In addition, the Criminal Assets Bureau has been active in targeting the proceeds of deception, fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption and other types of criminal activity commonly referred to as white collar crime.
In so far as the question referred to liaison with other enforcement bodies, I emphasise that the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is working closely with other bodies that have enforcement functions, for example, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Central Bank and the Competition Authority. GBFI staff are seconded to the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Competition Authority. There is considerable liaison between the various bodies with responsibilities in this area.
The reports on the comments made by Mr. Remy Farrell, senior counsel, were most alarming. I will go through some of them. He referred to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. The director, Mr. Ian Drennan, had said the office needed five forensic accountants to keep up with the volume of complaints coming in, yet the office has only one. Clearly, this is not up to standard.
One quote on forensic computer analysis, a core part of the investigatory functions of the office, struck me in particular. Mr. Farrell said:
So if you’re going to commit an elaborate fraud, make sure to password lock your computer, even if it’s a really obvious password. That should buy you at least two to three years.
Perhaps this was something of a rhetorical flourish, but the comments were alarming. We need reassurance that resources are being deployed. White collar crime is what brought the State to its knees. Arguably, there are all sorts of issues, but certainly there is a fear, as well as a concern, among the public that white collar crime was part of what led to the collapse of the economy.
Regarding the Deputy's point on the need for greater accountancy skills in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, ODCE, such skills are fundamental to the office's ability to deal with the more complex issues and investigations it has been facing since the economic downturn. My colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, has been addressing this issue and working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure that the posts are filled. This is critical.
The Acting Garda Commissioner has told me that the main challenge the Garda is facing is the rapidly changing environment in which fraudsters and white collar criminals operate. This owes to changing technology, criminality and questionable business practices. As the Deputy knows, the Garda is working on a range of cases. I will keep the question of resources under review with the Acting Garda Commissioner.
As part of my preparation for this question, I read an article from the respected writer and columnist, Ms Elaine Byrne, which referred to the need for an independent audit of the capacity of the oversight agencies, namely, the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, the ODCE, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the Central Bank, Revenue, the national bureau of criminal investigation, NBCI, the Competition Authority and so on. These agencies have a joined-up responsibility. Will the Minister consider Ms Byrne's brilliant suggestion of an independent audit of the agencies' collective capacity to tackle white collar crime? In the article, which Ms Byrne wrote last year, she mentioned that we did not have a police-led multi-agency task force approach to this issue. Will the Minister consider a police-led approach so as to join up the dots between the agencies and ensure they are effectively tackling white collar crime as a team?
Mr. Remy Farrell, senior counsel, has stated that raising fines will not be enough. The people involved in white collar crime need to see clearly that they will be brought to justice, that resources will be deployed in the investigations and that there will be a joined-up approach. When people start being prosecuted and going to jail, the culture will change. Raising fines will not cut it.
To a degree, the Deputy's points could best be dealt with in the context of the Acting Garda Commissioner's strategic review. By undertaking such a review, she clearly recognises that this issue is an emerging and serious priority. The questions of resources and of engagement with international and local partners are key. The precise mechanisms for that engagement and who should lead it are questions that will arise in the course of the review. I will seek the review's outcome and keep in mind the Deputy's points.
I thank the Minister.
