Vol. 513 No. 4
83 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the staffing levels of the Criminal Assets Bureau; his views on the adequacy of these; if he accepts that the bureau could have a much greater impact on tackling organised crime if its resources were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2667/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the present level of staffing at the Criminal Assets Bureau is 45.
Since its formation, and through the actions of its officers, the bureau has succeeded in tackling the problem of organised crime in accordance with its statutory remit as laid down in section 4 of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996.
The Criminal Assets Bureau is regarded both nationally and internationally as a model operation. In this context a recent evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, concluded that Ireland has put in place a comprehensive and very solid legislative scheme for combating money laundering, and in relation to certain measures, such as the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996, and the Criminal Assets Bureau it has implemented an innovative legislative and administrative scheme which could provide a model for other countries.
Since its formation in 1996, I am satisfied that adequate funding has been made available to the Criminal Assets Bureau to meet its requirements.
However, the resource levels at the Criminal Assets Bureau are reviewed on an ongoing basis and I am informed by the Garda authorities that following the most recent review it is likely that additional resources will be allocated to the bureau in the near future.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that the objective of tackling organised crime does not lie solely with the Criminal Assets Bureau, but also involves other national Garda units.
