Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of establishing a publicly funded Garda insurance fraud unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52497/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Cost of Insurance Working Group proposed exploring the possibility that a specific unit, funded by the insurance industry, be established within the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) to tackle insurance fraud.

I can inform the Deputy that the GNECB had exploratory talks with Insurance Ireland in relation to this matter, and submitted a mechanism for further cooperation to Insurance Ireland in early 2017. Following receipt of the reply from Insurance Ireland in July 2018, I met with the GNECB and the Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations, on 30 August 2018 to discuss this recommendation further. Following those discussions, I understand the recommendation is receiving further consideration within An Garda Síochána.  I am advised that the cost of establishing a publicly funded Garda insurance fraud unit has not as yet been determined.

My officials remain in ongoing contact with An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter. In addition, my colleague, Michael D'arcy, Minister of State in the Department of Finance, will be meeting with the Garda Commissioner in the coming days to determine what progress can be made on this issue.