Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
548. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider the establishment of a Criminal Assets Bureau-style agency specifically empowered to help fight white collar crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20982/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraInsofar as my Department's remit is concerned, I am advised that the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) is charged with investigating serious and complex fraud matters and has the resources and expertise to carry out this function. In light of this there are no plans to establish another agency with responsibilities in this field.
There is, of course, the closest of cooperation between GBFI and the Criminal Assets Bureau, and I am further advised that 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 associated with white collar crime. The GBFI also works closely with other bodies with relevant enforcement functions, but whose legislative and regulatory functions not under my Ministerial remit, including the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Central Bank and the Competition Authority.
The Deputy will appreciate that since my recent appointment as Minister I have been reviewing a wide range of issues relevant to serious offending in all its forms, including white collar crime, and I can assure him that I intend to continue to engage regularly with the Garda Commissioner and Ministerial colleagues with a view to ensuring that the necessary resources and measures to respond effectively are in place.
