Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the call this morning for an urgent criminal inquiry following the revelations in the tapes disclosed by Independent Newspapers in recent days. The revelations seem to get more bizarre by the day. It is particularly galling that all of the good work done by the Government over the past two years to repair Ireland's reputation internationally is being undone day by day. It will be particularly difficult for the Minister for Finance to secure future deals on debt. The people responsible for wrecking the economy must be brought to book as quickly as possible.

I strongly support Senator Conway's call that the arms of the State who fight white collar crime are properly resourced. We must arrange a discussion here with the Minister for Justice and Equality on the resources available to the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

I wish to raise a separate issue. On a morning when there has been much speculation on who won almost €94 million or a half share in the Euro Millions draw last night the Irish Postmasters' Union has brought the issue of Prize Bonds to my attention. Prize Bonds are revered and purchased by people around the country. The union stated that anti-money laundering identification requirements to purchase prize bonds worth over €25 in value is unnecessarily restrictive. We all agree that we need strong controls to prevent money laundering but I think that €25 is too low and €100 would be more appropriate. Many people buy Prize Bonds as gifts for birthdays, special occasions and Christmas.