Vol. 489 No. 3
231 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will recommend that a contribution from the funds confiscated by CAB from drug dealers be made to the cost of a memorial to the victims of drug abuse planned for the north inner city, Dublin 1. [7905/98]
It would be contrary to standard public accounting procedures to transfer particular revenues to particular purposes. All revenues are taken in by the Exchequer and such allocations as are necessary are made through the normal Estimates process.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996 cannot be utilised as under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996, all moneys, including those resulting from the sale of assets are frozen for up to seven years during which time any person may claim legitimate ownership. No money has yet accrued to the Exchequer under this Act as a disposal order transferring funds to the Exchequer cannot be made until the statutory period of seven years has elapsed from the date of the original order.
The provision of funding for drug projects is channelled through the local drug task forces. In addition, the young people's facilities and services fund has been established by the Government this year with a budget of £30 million to be spent over three years. The initial allocation of £1.25 million for this year has been increased to £7.5 million. The fund will support a variety of capital and non-capital projects in disadvantaged areas, particularly those affected by the heroin problem. Detailed arrangements for the operation of the fund are currently being finalised and will be submitted to Government for approval as soon as possible.
