Skip to main content
Normal View

Criminal Assets Bureau

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Questions (27)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

27. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to roll out a locally organised criminal assets bureau as piloted in Store Street in Dublin 2 in February 2016; and if expanding and fast-tracking this process will be an important step in targeting the unexplained wealth of middle and lower level drug dealers and protecting public safety in the areas affected most by criminality, given the recent spate in gangland violence. [10144/16]

View answer

Written answers

I understand the Deputy's question to refer to the work of the Divisional Assets Profiling Unit at Store Street.

To avoid any misconception, I should however clarify that the Divisional Assets Profiling Unit at Store Street is not a locally organised Criminal Assets Bureau.

To achieve nationwide coverage, the Criminal Assets Bureau has for some considerable time maintained a link with each of the Garda Divisions through the operation of the Divisional Assets Profiler Programme.

Under this Programme asset profilers are providing a criminal asset profiling service across the Garda Divisions in relation to persons or suspects operating within the area, with particular reference to those involved in serious and organised crime. The Bureau utilises the local knowledge supplied to it by the asset profilers which allows the Bureau to target the proceeds of crime in local communities. They also assist the Bureau with preparatory groundwork in advance of a full investigation and have recourse to the expertise and advice of the Bureau.

These profilers also assist in criminal investigations occurring within their own Divisions involving the targeting of persons suspected of being in possession of assets derived from criminal conduct.

The Divisional Assets Profiling unit at Store Street liaises with the Criminal Asset Bureau and has received training and guidance in the area of asset profiling. Members of the Unit are utilising this training, coupled with local knowledge and experience to target individuals who are dealing drugs in local communities. An initial number of targets have been identified and investigations are ongoing into these individuals. Files are being prepared for the Criminal Assets Bureau's attention where assessments will be considered.

The operation of the Assets Profiler Programme and its complement of asset profilers is kept under ongoing review. Following further training provided in 2015 by the Criminal Assets Bureau the number of trained Garda Asset Profilers now stands at 189.

Top
Share