Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 has been commenced; the number of prosecutions that have taken place under this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14115/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 was commenced with effect from 1 August 2006. The relevant order is the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 390 of 2006).

Section 72 creates the offence of contributing to, or participation in, an activity of a criminal organisation. The intention behind the contribution must be to enhance the ability of, or facilitate the organisation to commit a serious offence. It is not necessary to prove the commission of a specific offence. The offence is punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment.

I am informed by the Garda Síochána that to date no proceedings have commenced under this section.