Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will tell the Deputy what we will do. One of the main shortcomings the judge identified was the lack of skill sets in the ODCE for this investigation, which took place between 2008 and 2012. It is clear that the office did not even have one forensic accountant at that stage. It now has eight forensic accountants and a number of other expert staff, including a digital forensic specialist, two enforcement portfolio managers and two enforcement lawyers. The office will also have a digital forensic laboratory. Since 2012, the ODCE has been strengthened considerably and now has a stronger set of skills.

The general scheme of a Bill was considered by Government today. This Bill, which will be published shortly, will establish the ODCE as an independent agency.

It will give it the autonomy it needs to employ the required skill set to undertake its extremely complex work. The Deputy is correct that this was one of the most complex cases in the history of the State.

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