Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Given that the number of people working in the public service has been soaring in recent years, does the Minister agree that it is an indictment of the Government that the number of officials assigned to these important joint investigations has decreased so dramatically? I remind the House of some of the areas which are investigated. Some rogue employers who are not properly registered do not complete their tax and insurance dealings in a proper manner. More importantly, the capital of some businesses might come from illegal activities, such as money laundering, particularly in the drugs field. The work of joint investigation units in such areas should be co-ordinated with the work of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. We know about people in various parts of Limerick and Dublin who have no visible means of support other than social welfare, but are able to do their houses up beautifully.

If we are to be serious about tackling rogue employers and the godfathers of crime and drugs in this country, surely we must investigate how such people managed to accumulate vast assets. Such efforts, with the policing work of the Garda, should be at the heart of the attack. We have to ensure that there is co-operation between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners. Al Capone was finally sent to jail in the United States when he was convicted of tax evasion, rather than the other crimes in which he was involved. Given that crime and illegal activity is at unbelievable levels in various parts of the country, is there any chance that the Minister will take a personal interest in this matter?

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