Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

However, I agree it is important to spend money on disadvantaged communities where the effects of drugs trafficking are often most visible. The Minister is contemplating an amendment, which will also deal with corruption and bring that under the ambit of the Criminal Assets Bureau. Like Sherlock Holmes's dog that did not bark in the night, it is striking that in the eight years the Act has been in operation and, despite it short-circuiting some ordinary legal safeguards, I am not aware of any scandal, alleged glaring injustice or any alleged abuse of human rights arising from its operation. That is a great tribute to the spirit in which it has been operated.

All legislation is only as good as the spirit in which it is implemented. All parties have had a part in this initiative and the legislation streamlines it, which is very much to be welcomed because this is one of the most successful and significant criminal law initiatives to have been undertaken in the State. It has enabled us to turn the tide.