Mr. Andrew Munro:

In very simple terms, the regulation provides for anybody who becomes aware of fraud against the interest of the European Union to report it to the EPPO system. There would be an obligation on national authorities that become aware of fraud to report it to EPPO. The proposal provides for exclusive competence for the EPPO over cases of fraud against the interest of the Union. In the Irish context, the Director of Public Prosecutions would not have competence but it is envisaged in the proposal that every member state that participates would nominate at least one if not several European delegated prosecutors. Germany has a federal system and as a result there may be several European delegated prosecutors, EDPs for each of the different landers because of the volume of cases. If Ireland were to participate we would have to nominate at least one European delegated prosecutor to that office. When a report would come in to the office, it is envisaged that an investigation directed by the Irish EDP would direct the Garda Síochána to investigate it and produce a report.