Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the areas assigned to the 102 asset profilers working for the Criminal Assets Bureau; the breakdown by region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the Criminal Assets Bureau is being actively utilised, in pursuance of its statutory remit, to identify and target the assets of persons suspected to derive directly or indirectly from criminal conduct. To achieve this objective the Criminal Assets Bureau utilises the services of Divisional Criminal Assets Profilers throughout the country.

Divisional Profilers have responsibility for providing a criminal asset profiling service in relation to persons or suspects operating within their division, with particular reference to those involved in drug dealing and serious criminal activity. They are making a valuable contribution to the Criminal Assets Bureau in pursuing its statutory remit, as well as ensuring that criminals are deprived of the proceeds of crime.

During the first Quarter of 2009 an additional 23 Gardaí received initial training as Divisional Profilers at the Garda College, Templemore, which increased the current complement of Garda asset profilers to 102, nationally, broken down as follows :

In addition, a total of 13 personnel attached to the Revenue Commissioners have also participated in the training programme. The complement and allocation of Divisional Profilers will continue to be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis.