Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their inputs into the debate. I thank Senator Gavan for his good wishes. It was a privilege to serve alongside him, and Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, on the Council of Europe. It is important that this House understands the respect in which Senators Gavan and O'Loughlin are held for their work at plenary sessions and at various committees.

I am pleased the key features of the draft regulations have been welcomed and supported today. The signing into law of these regulations is a priority for me as the Minister of State. They are important legal instruments that complement the Government's package of measures aimed at tackling economic crime and corruption.

Ireland has a hard-won reputation as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment and as an international business hub. Stepping up and maintaining our efforts to tackle white-collar crime shows that we are serious about maintaining and building upon that reputation. These regulations will ensure that the agencies involved can function effectively and efficiently when investigating potential wrongdoing and taking necessary enforcement action.

I thank the officials in my Department for their considerable work on this issue.