Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

This important debate is relevant to modern Irish society and should focus in particular on areas of severe social, economic and educational disadvantage, where a substantial minority of the population live in very poor conditions. Children in that section of society live in extreme deprivation, with many of them going to school without proper breakfast, living in unsuitable accommodation and lacking family stability.

The debate on the proceeds of crime legislation is relevant to these children because all money confiscated should be spent in these areas. In this State, 60,000 children live in poverty and the money confiscated could be invested in the areas in which they live and the schools they attend. I encourage the Minister and the Cabinet to focus resources and help into disadvantaged schools. It is essential in tackling crime and poverty to connect with these children when they are between two and five years of age. Otherwise, when they reach the age of nine, ten or 11, they are already involved in anti-social behaviour and a section of them become involved in serious crime later in life.

We often lose sight of the fact that many people living in disadvantaged communities do not become involved in crime and we must take our hats off to them. We should praise those parents of families who live in blocks of flats where heroin is being pushed within 20 metres of their front doors. These families never become involved in crime and those parents should be commended. We should reward such people.

Section 1 of the Bill states that money realised on the making of disposal orders on the principal Act as amended by this Act shall be used for community development purposes in disadvantaged areas. This is the crux of the debate and it is vital that this be done.

Deputies mentioned the Criminal Assets Bureau. I have supported the CAB over the years and see it as essential in addressing crime. When talking about crime and dealing with its proceeds, however, the middle class who are involved in taking and distributing cocaine should also be targeted and they should not get an easy ride.

This amendment is important because it offers a way to do something for the most needy in our society.

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