Mr. Martin Callinan:

Of course we discuss not only white collar crime but all the policing disciplines and service areas to which we are obliged to attend. We discuss these on a very regular basis. The issue of resources in the Garda bureau of fraud investigation, in particular, has arisen in the context of the Anglo Irish Bank investigation and in other high profile cases. I wish to put on the record my grateful appreciation to colleagues in the Garda bureau of fraud investigation. These are highly skilled people who provide a sterling service on behalf of An Garda Síochána to the community. The evidence thus far in terms of the Anglo Irish Bank case in particular is testimony to that statement.

I should not go beyond that because the DPP is looking at other elements and strands. However, significant results are being achieved on a regular basis from this unit within the Garda. Yes, there are two accountants but also available to the unit, and to me and any other unit, are the services of the Chief State Solicitor's office. Where we have issues around very detailed and technical points we also have the Office of the Attorney General at our disposal. In addition, there are qualified barristers working in the legal section in Garda headquarters. A head of legal services within An Garda Síochána is also stationed in headquarters. Therefore, there is a range of people upon whom we can call.

This is an area that is being examined and there is a review taking place, particularly in the context of the new rostering arrangement, the clustering of people and so forth. The bureau of fraud investigation is being examined along with every other area. While we might not be working as speedily as some people would like, we must give careful consideration to ensure we do not transgress elements of the law that would collapse a case when it goes to court. We must be careful. Much of the work is detailed and complex. It requires us going into court and satisfying the court that we have sufficient suspicion or evidence to obtain an order to examine a person's account or whatever. It is tricky and detailed. The investigations, by their nature, are prolonged. That is part of the dynamic.

However, I am satisfied that the bureau is functioning very well. The CAB, the drugs squad, traffic corps and every other section in the organisation would dearly love to have more people, but we must be realists and deal with the hand we have. For the moment, we are managing quite well in terms of efficiency.