Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the committee for taking Committee Stage of this important legislation. The most important point I wanted to make at the outset is that I still intend to introduce further amendments on Report Stage in the Dáil, if time allows, or on Committee Stage in the Seanad. I mentioned on Second Stage that I expect to introduce a provision in respect of the publication of tax defaulter information with regard to Criminal Assets Bureau settlements. I am also considering further expansion of the assets held in accounts that may fall under the restraint provisions introduced in section 5 of the Bill. The drafting of these amendments is ongoing. Additionally, I am considering transferring responsibility for external confiscation orders under the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 from the Director of Public Prosecutions to the Criminal Assets Bureau. Once that is done, I will not be commencing that provision, if it is enacted, until such time as sufficient resources have been provided to the Criminal Assets Bureau. Those are the important points I wanted to make at the outset.