Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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I welcome the Minister. I agree with him that counterfeiting is a major issue and we would all be opposed to it. I have three brief questions for the Minister. He said that organised crime groups have caused a financial loss of up to €500 million since 2002. Does that figure of €500 million cover all of the European Union? Does he have figures or statistics for the loss caused by counterfeiting in Ireland?

My second question relates to article 5 which provides for mandatory minimum sentences of at least six months for certain counterfeiting offences and of up to eight years for key offences. My initial reaction to that article 5 provision was that a sentence of six months for such an offence, particularly by organised gangs, seems very low. I would like the Minister to respond to that point.

My third question relates to the more serious offences of murder, treason, drug trafficking and certain offences involving firearms, for which a minimum sentence of ten years will apply. Many members of the public not only in Ireland but across the European Union are concerned about the position where people who commit very serious crimes are released back into society having served a sentence of eight to ten years. Many people would have a concern about that in terms of regard for human life and would the Minister share my concern?

The Minister said that the euro continues to be a target for organised crime groups. Are there many of these groups operating within the European Union? Could he also indicate if there are many such groups operating in Ireland?