Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

While I accept what has been said, I insist it is time for some of the money that accrues from criminal activities to be invested in poorer communities, thereby assisting those who are at the bottom of the food chain when money is passed down. The Minister of State is not responsible for the Criminal Assets Bureau, but he can use his position as the officeholder with responsibility for the drugs strategy to influence Cabinet Ministers. This is a serious matter at a time when money is very limited and groups are struggling. The Minister of State has the power to influence his colleagues and thereby make the changes I am calling for. That is what he should be doing.

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