Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 6

Written Answers. - Money Laundering.

Tony Gregory

Question:

35 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice her views on the need for a special task force, co-ordinated by the Garda Drug Unit and composed of members of the Special Investigation Branch of the Revenue Commissioners and Department of Social Welfare along with specialist gardaí, to investigate the investment of moneys raised by drug dealing. [5293/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The fight against drug trafficking and other forms of serious crime has been broadened with the introduction of severe penalties for a new offence of money laundering under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994. These provisions are intended to target the proceeds of serious crime, particularly the illegal proceeds of "drug barons".

I am aware of the need to ensure that the arrangements for investigations in relation to drug trafficking proceeds should be as effective as possible. In this connection my Department has prepared a report designed to identify the best arrangements for achieving a cohesive and co-ordinated response to the drug trafficking problem by the existing law enforcement agencies. This report recommends certain action to be taken against drug dealers to ensure that they are deprived of the proceeds of their criminal activity. It is my intention that this report will be submitted to the Government as soon as possible.