Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1403. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the measures that are being taken by her Department to combat the illegal funding of Islamic terrorism within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42929/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProtecting the State and the people from terrorism and supporting international peace and security are amongst the highest priorities for the Government.
Ireland, like many other open and democratic states, faces a threat from international terrorism, money laundering and terrorist financing activity.
Legal, regulatory and operational measures are in place to target money laundering and to counter terrorist financing which involve a range of Government Departments and agencies including the Department of Finance, the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Assets Bureau, alongside other stakeholders in countering such activity, such as the Central Bank of Ireland, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee led by the Department of Finance, which brings together various stakeholders, was expanded in 2021 and 2022 to include other relevant competent authorities and stakeholders, including the Corporate Enforcement Agency and the Charites Regulator, the Law Society, Prescribed Accountancy Bodies, Legal Services Regulatory Authority and the Property Services Regulatory Authority.
In accordance with the provisions of section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, An Garda Síochána is responsible for the investigation of terrorist related activity, including financing. In this regard, An Garda Síochána utilises a number of statutory provisions, including the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 as amended, and the Criminal Justice Act 1984, in the investigation of suspected terrorist financing.
The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 as amended, which is updated on an ongoing basis ensures that our regulatory framework keeps pace with the increasing integration of financial flows in the internal market, the evolving trends, technological developments and the prevention of organised crime and is in line with our EU obligations.
An Garda Síochána remains vigilant in the monitoring and investigation of any suspected incidents of terrorist financing and continues to conduct intelligence-led operations to disrupt and dismantle domestic or international terrorist networks who facilitate terrorism through terrorism financing.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of security matters. I can however assure the Deputy that my Department liaises on an on-going basis with An Garda Síochána in respect of such matters.
