Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide details in relation to the resources available to the Revenue Commissioners dedicated to the area of fraud detection with particular reference to social welfare fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18519/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have over 2,000 staff engaged in activities that are dedicated to target and confront non-compliance. These activities include audit assurance checks, anti-smuggling, investigations, prosecutions and anti avoidance. Revenue has close working relationships with other agencies, especially the Department of Social Protection, to support a joined up approach to fraud and evasion. Sharing of information between Revenue and the Department of Social Protection is important. In addition to co-operation across all Revenue's activities, 32 Revenue officers are assigned to Joint Investigation Units who work closely with the Department of Social Protection on joint operations.