Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators who contributed to the debate on this important Bill and welcome the constructive tone of the debate. It is appropriate that Deputy O'Donoghue, who initiated the legislation in Private Members' time in 1996 was acknowledged, in addition to the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, former Deputy Owen.

Some interesting comments have been made but I am not sure I will be able to respond to every issue. I am happy to speak further to any Senator who does not believe I have adequately answered his or her query.

A number of Senators, including Senators Cummins, Kett and Mansergh mentioned the delay in the Bill coming before the House. As I stated at the outset, this delay was outside the control of the Department and the Parliamentary Counsel because of other factors. While the delay is regrettable, it has allowed for a substantially more far-reaching Bill than the original. This will greatly enhance the role of the officials in the Criminal Assets Bureau, customs officials and the Garda Síochána in combating those who seek to profit from crime.

A number of Senators inquired about funding being ring-fenced. If this issue were teased out I am not sure if Members would be so sure this would be the best way to proceed. It is not quite as easy as saying that because there is a regular pot of money, one can identify schemes which can be ring-fenced and is guaranteed a flow of funding.

The issue of drug-related funds was referred to, in regard to which I am pleased to state that Ireland ranks very high in the EU chart on the amount of money the Government is spending on fighting the drug problem. It is spending just shy of €200 million per annum on prevention, treatment, supply reduction and education, all of which are areas in which we want to see money being invested. Senator Kett referred to the various programmes with which the health authorities have been involved over a prolonged period of time when there was no roll-in from CAB money. It should be noted that the proportion of drug-related funds of the total obtained by CAB is uncertain as CAB collects revenue from a number of sources.