James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for supporting the Bill. The contributions made and points raised have been very useful and I am grateful for the consideration Deputies have given the matter. The Bill, while short and technical, is important legislation that will enable Ireland to give full effect to the directive on the fight against fraud on the European Union's financial interests by means of criminal law. Fraud against the EU's financial interests affects everyone and the Bill reflects an important update of Ireland's already strong regime against it.

Tackling economic crime and white-collar crime is a priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána. The Department published the findings of the Hamilton review group on 3 December 2020. As the Minister, Deputy McEntee, pointed out, these crimes damage the economy, breed cynicism in society and are a threat to our international reputation. The Department is leading a cross-government initiative to tackle these crimes and to ensure all agencies have the resources they need.

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