Outgoing Director of Corporate Enforcement (OBCE) Paul Appleby has called for a change in the law to tackle white-collar crime.

Mr Appleby, who steps down from his role today after 10 years in the job, said gardaí should be given more time to question suspects in white-collar crime cases.

Suspects in drugs and other offences can be held for up to seven days. This compares with the 24-hour detention period available to the ODCE and the Garda when investigating serious corporate and financial crime.

In an interview with RTÉ Mr Appleby said there are legislative changes which could be made, “which would help the fight”.

“I think one area that could be considered is the perhaps extending the 24-hour detention period of suspects for a longer period.”

“As a result of a very detailed investigation there are a lot of questions to be put to the suspect and 24 hours is a very challenging time period,” he said.

Previously Mr Appleby told The Irish Times securing convictions in cases of white-collar crime is particularly difficult to achieve

“Even when there is a lot of documentary evidence involved, this is rarely sufficient to secure a prosecution where the standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt,” according to Appleby.

“You need to have an insider who is willing to testify that a particular event occurred and that the suspect was responsible, and it is quite often difficult to get an individual to do that.”

Mr Appleby also confirmed that all of his office’s work with regard Anglo Irish Bank has now been completed.