Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am putting forward a constructive suggestion to the Government to call in the former Senator to act as an independent arbitrator to see if they can come up with solutions.

It is all very well for the Opposition to have a go at the Government parties for the sake of it and I will always have a go at them when I think they are wrong but it is important that we put forward constructive funding proposals, a number of which I have mentioned. Significant sums could be confiscated from illegal money launderers and others involved in criminal activity, including drug trafficking. If that money was invested in community services, it would be important.

I welcome the legislation and the common sense arguments in the debate because we all have a duty to save lives and prevent money laundering both in Ireland and internationally. When sums such as $1.6 trillion are bandied about, that highlights the potential to generate revenue in our badly affected economy. Sitting on the fence or standing idly by should never be an option.

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