Vol. 475 No. 6
23 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications made by the Criminal Assets Bureau to the courts, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996, from the date of its enactment to 31 January 1997; the number of orders made during the same period; the value of property frozen during the same period; the plans, if any, there are to pursue further suspected criminals under the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5410/97]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 15 October 1996 and 31 January 1997 the following applications were made to the High Court pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996:
Section 2 — five applications in respect of nine persons. Four interim orders granted and one refused.
Section 3 — four applications in respect of eight persons. Two interlocutory orders granted and two pending before the Courts.
Section 7 — two applications in respect of five persons. One granted and one pending before the Courts.
Section 9 — one application in respect of one person which is still pending.
Property consisting of cash in the amount of £97,872 together with six dwelling houses, one apartment, one equestrian centre and three motor vehicles have been made the subject of the various orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996.
With the exception of the cash, in view of the fact that none of the properties has yet been sold, it is not possible to predict with any degree of accuracy the realisable value of these properties. To establish the market values would involve obtaining valuations and incurring an unnecessary expense at this time.
I am advised that the bureau is continuing to carry out investigations into the activities of a number of suspected criminals for the purpose of meeting its objectives under section 4 of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act, 1996.
