Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made with regard to the Garda investigation into the major money laundering operation uncovered in early 2005; if a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions; if he has plans to amend the Criminal Justice Act of 1994 concerning money laundering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22145/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that an investigation file has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in this matter and that a response is awaited.

I am further informed that additional Garda enquiries are currently being undertaken, including by way of mutual legal assistance, with another jurisdiction. The outcome of these enquiries will be referred to the DPP in due course for consideration in conjunction with the Garda investigation file.

Ireland already has extensive legislation in place to tackle money laundering activities. This legislation and other measures were evaluated recently by the Financial Action Task Force, the leading international anti-money laundering organisation. The Report of that evaluation contained a number of recommendations.

The amendments to the criminal law which would be needed to implement the recommendations of the Report are being assessed by officials of my Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. These amendments are being assessed in conjunction with those arising from the provisions of the 3rd EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive which was agreed in late 2005. In this regard, a comprehensive consultation process with representative groups of all bodies designated under the Criminal Justice Act 1994 for anti-money laundering purposes took place during May 2006. All legislative proposals arising from this consultation process will be submitted to Government for approval in the normal way.