Acting under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty the EC Commission requested the Government on 12 March, 1993 to submit its observations on the failure by Ireland to incorporate into national law the provisions of Directive 91/308/EEC and Directive 91/447/EEC. The deadline for implementing both directives was 31 December 1992.
The purpose of Directive 91/308/EEC, is to prevent the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering.
Details of our proposals to give effect to the directive have been forwarded to the Commission. The directive has not been incorporated into Irish law to date because legislation is required to give effect to its provisions. That legislation is at a very advanced stage of drafting and will be introduced as soon as possible.
The directive does not create rights or entitlements for individuals and, accordingly, the question of State liability in the circumstances mentioned by the Deputy does no arise.