Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the resourcing of the Garda Síochána, at the outset I want to thank and wish the outgoing Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, and his family, all the best in his retirement. He has done the State some very good service. He has led the force from the front and he leaves it in very good shape.

Regarding the resourcing, I have witnessed him at least twice stating at the Committee of Public Accounts that there is no issue with the resourcing of the Garda Síochána, and he was not asked that question by me or anybody on the Fianna Fáil side. He was asked the question by Opposition members who sit on that committee. I am sure if he felt there was a lack of resources he would not have been slow to say so.

It is true there is an extensive investigation going on in Anglo Irish Bank. That is welcome, and the comments of the Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, on 29 October are most welcome. He pointed out that there are 40 people working full-time on the investigation. The Director of Public Prosecutions has retained two senior counsel. There are 27 gardaí and 16 officers of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement working on it. A total of 100,000 documents including e-mails, telephone and bank records have been analysed. A total of 400 statements have been taken, some of them up to 150 pages. Inquiries are being made outside the State. There is mutual assistance with the authorities in London. The investigation is headed up by an assistant commissioner in conjunction with the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

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