Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right that there were some issues, particularly in terms of recruiting specialist posts. That has been in the public arena. I understand people have been recruited to some of those specialist posts and there is no issue in terms of sanction for them or in moving forward in respect of recruitment, either between ODCE and my Department or between ourselves and DPER.

The five forensic accountants were appointed and were provided with specialist software in the first half of 2017 to enable them to present the findings of their investigations visually. Following the appointment of the initial forensic specialist in May, work has commenced to create a forensic laboratory, with specialist hardware and software having also been procured. All of these developments will enhance the ability of the office to progress its investigations. Those issues in terms of getting the financial support for the ODCE to approve people have been dealt with.