Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Being a priority for the Oireachtas in 2024 probably means that legislation is likely. Even if it was a priority, it is likely to be enacted in 2025 which would be five years after the review. Is there a serious issue in terms of Departments not taking these matters seriously? This same Hamilton review called for an anti-fraud strategy in the Department of Justice, but four years on we still do not have it even though thousands of people are being scammed. The scams are increasing. We do not even have an anti-fraud strategy that has been reviewed. This is another example of legislation that was recommended; in this case, with regard to the collection, collation and analysis of public procurement. It seems we might see something next year. Is that satisfactory? We are talking about bid rigging and what could be deemed white-collar crime. This is theft of public money.

Is bid rigging not theft of public money? However, the Department does not regard it as a priority. It is just theft of public money. On the recommendation on fraud, the Department of Justice is completely ignoring that and giving it no priority despite its being the biggest crime growth area in the State. I am baffled at the lack of priority Departments are giving to these issues.