Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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437. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support proposals in investigating into the banking fraudulent practices and crime by establishing a special task force similar to CAB (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33539/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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A specialist Bureau with An Garda Síochána, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI), is charged with investigating serious and complex fraud matters and has the resources and expertise to carry out this function. In light of this I have no plans to establish a task force or other agency with responsibilities in this field. The Bureau is staffed by specialist Garda and civilian personnel including two full-time forensic accountants and works closely with other bodies which relevant enforcement functions including the Criminal Assets Bureau, Revenue Commissioners, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Competition Authority and the Financial Regulator. I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner concerning all aspects of serious crime, and he has assured me that there are sufficient resources available to the GBFI, particularly with respect to the major banking investigations. Notwithstanding this, I have made it clear to the Commissioner that if at any stage he believed that additional resources were required for these investigations I would respond immediately, to ensure that the GBFI can continue to carry out its functions effectively.