Vol. 558 No. 2
81 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the existing legislation dealing with the proceeds of the Criminal Assets Bureau to free up the finance collected from criminals and drug barons; and if this money will be spent on the poor and elderly. [20121/02]
As I informed the House recently in response to similar parliamentary questions, there may be some symbolic as well as practical value in the suggestion that assets which are determined by law to be the proceeds of crime be committed towards social inclusion and related programmes. However, there are legal and other difficulties attached to the idea which continue to be examined by my Department in consultation with other concerned Departments and agencies, including the Department of Finance. When that examination is complete, and I understand that the difficulties are not insignificant, I will give due consideration to any proposals made to me arising from the outcome.
