Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leader. She will be aware of the two primary legislative measures relating to the confiscation of assets gained through criminal activity. I refer to the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 and the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996. Last week in the High Court a successful challenge was mounted by an individual currently serving a 28 year prison sentence for drug trafficking. Will the Government be appealing this decision to the Supreme Court in order that a definite position in respect of this legislation is established? It is vitally important for communities fighting the scourge of drugs that this legislation be upheld in the courts. Criminals have taken huge sums of money from and destroyed the lives of young people in some of the most deprived communities in this and other cities. We must ensure the assets gained through such activity are returned to the communities concerned. Will the Leader find out from her Government colleagues whether the State will test this judgment in the Supreme Court?

Last week six matters were raised on the Adjournment, three on Wednesday and three on Thursday. On both evenings one Minister of State came to the House to respond to all three items. It is a matter of disrespect to the House that the Minister to whom an Adjournment matter is addressed, or a Minister of State from his or her Department, is not present when the matter is discussed. Will the Leader raise this question? It is not acceptable for a Minister to read three prepared scripts to the Members who have brought matters to the attention of the House. We must set a precedent at the start of this new Seanad that when a matter is raised on the Adjournment, the relevant Minister or Minister of State comes to the House to hear the debate.