Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

This amendment would provide for an additional category of person to be appointed as a member of a joint investigation team, namely, a non-Garda CAB officer. However, having examined the amendment, I am a little lost about the purpose behind it. Section 6(2), as drafted, allows the Minister to appoint to a joint investigation team officers of customs and excise, the Revenue Commissioners, any other Government Minister and persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have experience or expertise relevant to the investigation. I have examined section 8 of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996 and found that the only non-Garda members appointed as bureau officers are officers of the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for Social Welfare. Both categories have already been covered by section 6(2)(b) of the Bill. The Office of the Revenue Commissioners is specifically named and the reference to "any other Minister of the Government" covers officers of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

An officer of the Revenue Commissioners or the Minister for Social and Family Affairs who is also a bureau officer is permitted to join a joint investigation team under the existing provision. I, therefore, cannot see any reason for accepting the amendment. I see the point the Senator is making but it is already catered for.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.