Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

77. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans in relation to the mini-cabs concept; the number of Garda Síochana divisional asset profilers in situ currently and how many successful convictions have been concluded as a direct result of the asset profilers; the number pending before the Courts as a result of the asset profilers; and her plans for additional resources to specifically deal with drug related matters. [17591/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Criminal Assets Bureau was established as a national multi-disciplinary agency specialising in the targeting of proceeds of crime.

There are very practical advantages to having such expertise located in one dedicated unit with the requisite authority to act on a national basis, particularly in a relatively small jurisdiction such as ours.

To achieve nationwide coverage the Criminal Assets Bureau has for some time maintained a link with each of the Garda Divisions through the operation of the Divisional Assets Profiler Programme.

The role of trained Divisional Assets Profilers, as outlined in the Annual Reports of the Criminal Assets Bureau, is to identify proceeds of crime in their respective Divisions and liaise with the Bureau to bring appropriate action in respect of criminal proceeds. While on occasion the Bureau does investigate criminal matters which may result in criminal prosecutions this is not its primary function.

The Annual Reports of the Criminal Assets Bureau provide information in relation to the activities of the Bureau including court applications made by the Bureau under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Tax Code, the Social Welfare Code and the Criminal Law.

The number of trained Divisional Asset Profilers now stands at 218.

As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to examine how communities can better engage with the Criminal Assets Bureau including provision of information on the suspected local use of the proceeds of crime and the potential of a smaller Criminal Assets Bureau being established to target regional assets.

Finally, I understand the Deputy's question concerning resources to relate to recent initiatives which have been announced in response to current levels of organised crime activity. In this regard, I have announced a range of measures including legislative proposals to provide additional powers to the Criminal Assets Bureau in targeting the proceeds of crime, an additional allocation of €55 million to be made available to An Garda Síochána this year in support of targeted measures against crime in its various manifestations, as well as the proposals for accelerated recruitment into An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner has also announced the establishment of a new Garda Special Crime Task Force to augment existing responses to organised crime at a local level.