Written answers

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Criminal Assets Bureau

10:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of all assets of persons involved in drug dealing that have been targeted in each year from 2002 to date in 2007 in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002; the number of such persons targeted; the number of such persons successfully convicted; the number of such persons who have had assets confiscated; and the number of such persons who are middle-ranking criminals. [13128/07]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that for operational reasons it is not appropriate for proceedings being taken by the Criminal Assets Bureau to be linked to particular criminal groups or activities.

However, I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the majority of applications under the Proceeds of Crime legislation made by the Criminal Assets Bureau over the past five years have, in general, related to proceeds believed to be the result of drug related activities.

The Bureau also continues to apply its revenue powers under its statutory remit against persons involved in drug trafficking.

In carrying out its functions, the Criminal Assets Bureau works closely with the Garda National Drug Unit and liaises with the Divisional Criminal Assets Profilers in each Garda Division throughout the country.

A feature of this work is to ensure that assets derived from criminal conduct, and in particular drug related crime are subject to the following as deemed appropriate: post conviction confiscation pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 1994; civil restraint pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996/2005; and application of Revenue and Social Welfare legislative provision.

Statistics in relation to the monies seized and collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau are available from the Annual Reports of the Bureau which are available in the Oireachtas library.

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