Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The deployment of resources in the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau is a matter for the Garda to decide as it sees fit.

Through section 14 of the Central Bank (National Claims and Information Database) Bill, we are trying to improve the opportunity and pathway available to judges in the civil court in cases where they suspect there is fraud and exaggeration. There have been, I believe, only six prosecutions since the Act was introduced in 2004. That is not good enough for all those who are participating in the pursuit of people who are fraudulent. Those people should be pursued, but that is a matter for the Garda and the Director of Public Prosecutions. There is a cross-over from the civil courts into the criminal courts, which operate in a different space. I am not satisfied that this cross-over has taken place. The superintendent in charge of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau informs me there has been a big improvement in the conversation between the bureau and Insurance Ireland. Details of claims have been sent to the bureau and the insurance industry has highlighted that some of these claims are fraudulent. As a result, the Garda has informed some of those making the claims that it is investigating the matter. The information that I have been given indicates that, on the basis of the number of visits that have occurred, two thirds of these claims have been withdrawn. Claims are being withdrawn because they even get to court because the Garda is now investigating the matter. The Deputy is again wrong when he says nothing is happening. We are improving the pathways. The Deputy wants to establish a new section in the Garda when it is not necessary to do so.