Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister and his officials for their assistance in helping us to understand all the aspects of the Bill which enhances the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 and the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. This legislation will enable those working at the coalface to tackle individuals living on means not legitimate to their way of life. Such people are involved in murky business for the trappings of wealth with which it provides them. Anything that can be done by this House, by way of legislation, to provide those working against such criminals with the powers necessary to deal with them is to be welcomed. The Garda Síochana and Customs and Excise officers are to be congratulated on their efforts to date since the enactment of the 1996 legislation which provided them extra investigative powers. Anything that ensures these individuals are second-guessing themselves in terms of what they stand to lose by virtue of the powers now given to these officers is good. The introduction of these new powers may set such people on a different track. The Bill does much to assist those dealing with crime.