Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to state that great progress has been made on Garda activity and the level of supports which are being put in place for the force. The Garda Commissioner is very happy with the progress made and the commitments he has received from the Government. On the other side of that coin is the issue of victims, which was also referred to. In that regard, a victims' charter has been published by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The State supports the victim support organisations which are doing great work.

I was asked about the amounts of money involved in final disposal orders. As the Act came into effect in 1996, final disposal orders can only be made now because of the seven year time lapse. I understand that to date, two final disposal orders have been made — one for €102,000 and another for €169,000. These should go to the Department of Finance in early December, although it is dependent on whether the respondents go to court in the meantime. As seven years have elapsed since the commencement of the Act, increasing numbers of orders will be made in the coming months on a continuing basis.

The overall sum for tax collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau between 1996 and October 2004 is €69.26 million. In the period since its inception up to 31 October 2003, the bureau has obtained interim and final restraint orders to the value of more than €51 million and €22 million, respectively. Senators will find further details of the activities of the CAB since its establishment in 1996 in its annual reports, which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

This is a complex and technical Bill which will considerably bolster the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau in the continuing battle to go after the proceeds of all types of crime, including white collar crime and corruption. The amendments to the Criminal Justice Act 1994 and the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001 will be of great benefit to the Garda Síochána and customs officials in pursuing those who seek to profit from crime.

The clear, sober and stark message from the Government is that it is tough on crime and is intent on continuing to win every battle against criminals on behalf of law abiding citizens and the judicial and legal system and we will win the war. For the State and its citizens, it will be a win, win, win situation.

I thank Senators for their contributions to this debate and their co-operation. I commend the Bill to the House.