Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the illegal scams in the insurance industry; and the situation regarding white collar crime. [10839/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is the specialist unit within An Garda Síochána with national responsibility for the investigation of fraud-related crime. The Bureau has carried out a number of investigations in relation to complaints made by insurance companies over the years. These investigations have resulted in a number of successful prosecutions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of investigations are currently being undertaken by the Garda Bureau of Fraud investigations into alleged fraud scams in the insurance industry. One of the policing priorities for the Garda Síochána for 2007 which I determined under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is to focus on high value white-collar crime, particularly trading in contraband goods.

The EU Money Laundering Directive (Directive 2005/60/EC), due to be transposed into domestic legislation by the end of this year, increases the obligations on financial institutions in relation to combatting money laundering and related activities.