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

The account clearly shows that the ODCE investigation, in this instance, did fall below appropriate standards. The investigative shortcomings relating to the ODCE point to the need for a broader skills base, a greater range and depth of knowledge and experience, and a greater appreciation of the necessity to employ appropriate skills and experience for a case of this complexity. This was a complex case. Many positive steps have been taken by the office since then. In 2008, for example, the ODCE had no forensic accountants or digital forensic expertise. Today it has seven forensic accountants, a digital forensic specialist and a digital forensic laboratory, as well as two enforcement portfolio managers and two enforcement lawyers.

In 2008, civilian staff in the ODCE took the lead role in obtaining witness statements. None of those people had any training or experience in taking such statements. Since then, specialised training has been provided in the Garda training college in Templemore for ODCE staff to assist them with statement taking, the interviewing of witnesses, the preparation of files for the DPP exhibits handling and disclosure. Procedural changes have also taken place so that all criminal investigations are now led by members of An Garda Síochána assigned to the ODCE. There has, therefore, been much improvement since this took place.

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