FG/Lab Government adopts FF measures to crack down on white collar crime

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Defence Dara Calleary TD has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Bill 2011.  The Fine Gael/Labour government has adopted the five key platforms of legislation drafted by the previous Fianna Fáil-led government to tackle white collar crime.
 
Deputy Calleary said, “Last December, the Fianna Fáil government announced that legislation was being drafted to crack down on white collar crime. The purpose was to facilitate quicker investigations and cut down on delays in prosecuting complex criminal cases. On February 1st this year, the then Minister for Justice Brendan Smith announced that the Government had approved the text of the Bill, however the Dáil was dissolved that week.
 
“I am very pleased that the new Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has taken up this issue and has now published this important piece of legislation. Last May Fianna Fáil in government sought the views of the Gardaí and other interest parties on ways the law could be changed to aid the investigation of serious matters, and particularly the investigation relating to Anglo Irish Bank.  The new Government has benefitted from a wide and detailed examination of what is needed and Fianna Fáil will assist in ensuring this legislation is passed in the Dáil as soon as is possible.
 
“It is essential that we have robust legislation in place to tackle white collar crime in Ireland and ensure that criminals are brought to justice. Fianna Fáil in Government began the process of significantly changing the laws in this area and we welcome the new government’s recognition of that through the publication of the Criminal Justice Bill 2011.”

 

Please see below link to announcement from former Minister for Justice Brendan Smith on 1st February, 2011:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Government%20approves%20text%20of%20White%20Collar%20Crime%20Bill