Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister attaches high priority to the investigation of white collar crime and he has taken concrete steps in the short time since being appointed Minister to ensure the Garda Síochána has the legislative and other tools to deal with this effectively. I also indicated that the latest Central Statistics Office data do not reflect a decline in the effectiveness of Garda investigations. There is a time lag in respect of getting the statistics in line with what is happening. However, I accept what Deputy Dowds said about the professional expertise that is required to deal with white collar crime. I will bring the matter to the Minister's attention to see if it is possible for people with a legal or accountancy background, or whatever professional supports are required, to have their skills brought to bear to deal effectively with these crimes. It will bring fairness into the system, as people do not wish to differentiate between petty crime and the very serious white collar crime outlined by the Deputy.

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