Written Answers. - European Criminal Assets Bureau.
Seymour Crawford
Question:
45
Mr. Crawford
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the plans, if any, he has to propose to EU Ministers the establishment of a European criminal assets bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15258/99]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): The Criminal Assets Bureau is widely recognised, both nationally and internationally, as being very successful. Indeed, the international Financial Action Task Force, FATF, concluded in a recent report that in relation to certain measures, such as the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996, and the Criminal Assets Bureau, Ireland has implemented an innovative legislative and administrative scheme, which could provide a model for other countries. In another recent report, an evaluation team, operating under the auspices of the EU's Multi-disciplinary Group on Organised Crime, commented positively regarding the experiences of Ireland with its civil forfeiture system and the developing role of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Dealing with the financial aspects of organised crime is an important element of the EU's plans for combating organised crime and, in this context, I have discussed the success of the Criminal Assets Bureau with my European colleagues, as indeed have officials from my Department, stressing that high priority must be given to tackling the issue of the confiscation of the proceeds of crime.
However, at this point, lreland's civil forfeiture legislation and the Criminal Assets Bureau are unique in a European Union context. Accordingly, the idea of establishing a European Criminal Assets Bureau, while it sounds good in theory, is a little premature. It is my belief that the first step that needs to be taken is for the introduction of similar legislation throughout the EU. This, as I have already stated, is a vital element in the fight against organised crime which officials from
my Department and myself, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, will emphasise and encourage at every available opportunity.
