Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the recent raids in Cork, Kerry, Westmeath, Louth, Meath, and Dublin in relation to criminal activities by subversive organisations; if these raids are linked to investigations into the Northern Bank robbery; the consequences these raids may have for the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7705/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of searches were carried at various locations in furtherance of a criminal investigation into suspected money laundering activities. These searches, which commenced on 16 February last, led to the seizure of significant sums of money and the arrest of a number of persons. One such person has now been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation. A key focus of the investigation is the links of the money seized to the robbery before Christmas of the Northern Bank.

The Government remains committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It is clear that the continued involvement of PIRA in criminal activities represents a major obstacle to achieving that.