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For Oral Answer on : 12/12/2023
Question Number(s): 72 Question Reference(s): 55139/23
Department: Justice
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Justice to outline, with reference to the development of strategies to combat economic crime and corruption, the number of submissions received through the recent online consultation process ahead of the submission deadline of 3 November 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Corruption and economic crime can have a hugely negative impact on our society and have the potential to harm Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for financial services and business.
While significant progress has been made with measures to enhance Ireland’s ability to prevent and respond effectively to economic crime and regulatory crime in recent years, much remains to be done.
The Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption was established in 2022 following the Hamilton Review. The role of the Council is to advise and make proposals on strategic and policy responses and to develop a multi-annual strategy to combat economic crime and corruption.
An online survey was launched by the Advisory Council in October seeking the views of members of the public to help form a cross-sectoral strategy on how to combat economic crime and corruption.
I can inform the Deputy that 465 people completed the survey which closed on 3 November. The short online survey asked participants about their personal concerns regarding economic crime and its impact on society, as well as asking what actions they thought the government ought to prioritise when tackling economic crime and corruption.
The results of the survey will help inform the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption in devising a strategy to help combat economic crime and corruption.