Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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247. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a report by a person (details supplied) in regard to serious allegations of visa fraud and other exploitation of vulnerable migrants; and the steps he is taking to address the matter. [41714/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that my Department has received an email from the person in question where, among other things, allegations of inappropriate corporate conduct and abuse of the visa system have been made.

I am pleased to note from the correspondence that this individual is liaising directly with the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) in relation to a number of their concerns. As the Deputy is aware, the ODCE is the independent statutory body tasked with ensuring that all businesses adhere to the requirements of the Companies Acts, and bring those who disregard the law to account.

With regard to the allegations made in relation to the exploitation of the visa and immigration system, I can assure the Deputy that I take such allegations very seriously. The rules governing visas and other immigration related permissions are there to uphold the integrity of Ireland's immigration system, and to also help prevent any party engaging in human-trafficking. As has been stated many times before, this Government recognises that trafficking in human beings undermines the very principles of human rights and dignity of the person. Ireland will not tolerate persons who engage in any part of trafficking.

The Deputy will appreciate that I, as Minister, have no role in the conduct of particular investigations as this is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team. In this context, officials from my Department have made arrangements for a copy of the correspondence to be sent directly to the Garda authorities for examination and whatever action is deemed necessary. In this regard, it should be noted that An Garda Síochána continues to target organised abuses of the immigration system through Operation Vantage and officials from my Department work closely with them in this regard.

Notwithstanding the above, I would encourage the person in question to engage directly with An Garda Síochána in relation to these matters. An Garda Síochána will be best placed to advise them on how best to proceed.