Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment Senator Coghlan and the British-Irish Parliamentary Association which recently produced a report on cross-Border smuggling and illicit trade. I compliment it on its work and the report and wish it well on the occasion of its 25th plenary session which was held at the weekend. On the proceeds of crime (amendment) Bill, when is the Criminal Assets Bureau going to be given the powers to deal with the ongoing plundering of our finances, damage to our environment and reckless behaviour? We see in the report that people are carrying on with impunity in Border areas. This is a huge drain on our economy. People's lives, families and incomes are affected and people are being threatened and intimidated. This issue has to be tackled. When will the legislation, giving more powers to CAB and an Garda Síochána, be introduced?

On the marriage equality referendum Bill, will the Taoiseach guarantee that the Government will not misappropriate the finances which were appropriated by this House for the referendum commission? On the previous occasion, the Government was found by the Supreme Court to have misspent €1.1 million. What guarantee will the Minister for Justice and Equality give us this time round?

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