Vol. 566 No. 1
688 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if community groups in the areas most affected by the drugs crisis can access the moneys confiscated by the Criminal Assets Bureau from drug dealers; if so, the steps such groups would need to take to access the moneys; if not, the reason therefor; and if the Government has plans to extend such a scheme or would be willing to consider it. [12399/03]
The Criminal Assets Bureau enforces the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 which provides statutory procedures of restraint. The effect of restraint orders made by the High Court is to freeze property deemed to be the proceeds of crime for at least seven years. After that period, a disposal order may be sought from the court to vest the property in the Minister for Finance. It is only where the court directs that such property be transferred that funds accrue to the Exchequer. Having regard to the seven year safeguard period, the issue of such disposal orders has not arisen to date. I would add that local drugs task forces have been established by the Government in the areas most affected by the drugs problem. The Government continues to commit significant resources to these task forces to assist in developing a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to the drugs problem at a local level.
