Vol. 532 No. 4
566 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy with respect to unclaimed stolen property; if such property is auctioned; if so, the amount of money which was received for each of the past years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000; the way in which this money is dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8250/01]
The position is that where any property has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána in connection with any criminal charge, application may be made to the District Court for delivery of the property. An application may be made under Section 1 of the Police (Property) Act, 1897 by a member of the Garda Síochána or by a claimant of the property. Section 25 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1951 provides that an order may be made under Section 1 of the Act of 1897 for the disposal of property in the possession of the Garda Síochána although no person has been charged with an offence in connection with same.
Moneys received for such property are forwarded to the finance division in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the benefit of central funds. The amounts raised – for the years specified by the Deputy – are as follows: 1997 – £83,875; 1998 – £142,793; 1999 – £284,672 and 2000 – £30,371.
