Colm Burke
Question:72. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he and his Department have taken to tackle financial crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48085/26]
View answerThursday, 25 June 2026
Questions (72)
Written answers
Given the serious potential impact for citizens, society and the wider economy, Government takes the threat of financial crime very seriously. Accordingly, a range of measures are in place across my Department to strengthen Ireland’s response.
At the outset, it is important to note that my Department’s role is policy oriented. It does not have an operational or enforcement function, which instead rests with agencies such as An Garda Síochána, the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners.
By way of example, at a strategic level, the national Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee, chaired by my Department, has recently completed the National Risk Assessment (NRA) of money laundering and terrorist financing. This provides a clear view of the key risks facing Ireland in these areas and ensures our policy response is targeted and proportionate. The NRA is accompanied by a detailed action plan comprising 30 measures, which are being progressed across Government and other relevant stakeholders to help address identified risks.
In addition, my Department has engaged on the development and transposition of EU anti money laundering legislation into Irish law, ensuring alignment with international standards. Work is ongoing on transposing the EU Anti Money Laundering Package in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Separately, we previously published the National Payments Strategy, which addresses the growing risk of payment fraud and sets out measures to strengthen resilience, improve consumer protection and enhance cooperation across the payments system.
Underpinning all of this, the Department is actively engaged in domestic forums such as the Anti-Fraud Forum and the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption, and internationally through bodies including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the European Anti-Fraud Office. Furthermore, we also contribute by providing experts to FATF evaluations and supporting IMF technical assistance programmes.
In summary, the Department’s role is to maintain a strong policy and legislative framework to support the fight against financial crime. This is delivered across a range of areas and leverages the support of a number of bodies and organisations to deliver this on behalf of our citizens.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 57.