Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tackling Crime.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

39 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the statement issued by a national executive member (details supplied) of the AGSI at their national conference in Donegal in relation to crime lords claiming dole to the effect that nothing can be done to them under the criminal justice system; her views of this statement; if she agrees with the recommendation to her from the AGSI that the Government give appointed Garda officers identical authority to Revenue officials to allow them delve into the resources and funds of these crime lords; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7685/96]

Brian Lenihan

Question:

80 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to establish a special task force comprising members of the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda Síochána with a view to tackling drug trafficking. [9752/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 80 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Government approved a series of measures on 19 July 1995 to improve law enforcement in relation to the drugs problem and related matters. One of the measures required that a joint review be carried out by the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda authorities of certain recommendations of the Law Reform Commission as regards co-operation between the two bodies which were contained in their report on the Confiscation of the Proceeds of Crime, 1991.

The recommendations in the Law Reform Commission's report were:

(i) `That the existing tax laws should be enforced with vigour against drug dealers, handlers of stolen goods, or others obtaining a living from crime. The power given in various Finance Acts particularly in sections 18 and 19 of the Finance Act, 1983 (which extends Revenue powers to the chargeability of profits or gains arising from unlawful sources or activities) should be employed as extensively as possible', and

(ii) `there should be greater mutual transfer of information between Revenue and the gardaí to assist the gardaí in confiscating the proceeds of crime, and to assist Revenue in recovering arrears of tax from the criminals concerned or to penalise them for non compliance with the Revenue's lawful requirements'.

The review has now been concluded and a report will be submitted to Government shortly. The Deputies will appreciate I can make no further comment pending the Government's consideration of the report.

The Department of Social Welfare may also have a role to play in this matter and, I understand, are considering the scope for action open to them. That Department is already participating in consultations taking place under the auspices of the National Drug Co-ordinating Committee.