I will reply quickly. They can come in.
Sentiment score: 0.00
I thank colleagues for their contributions. I thank Deputy Ward for tabling this amendment. Deputy Ward would be aware that we had a good conversation and discussion about his amendment on Committee Stage. We all share the same objective here. Obviously, CAB does an excellent job in seizing assets that are the proceeds of crime. In recent years, we have managed to develop a situation where we can get some of those assets and reinvest them back into the community. I want to see that sum of money growing each year. It is in the region of €4 million to €4.6 million this year. I want to see it continue to grow in order that more proceeds from crime will be put back directly into the communities affected by crime. Regarding what Deputies have said, everyone generally recognises that the entities that have been given funding under the community safety fund this year are deserving. I heard what Deputy Ward said in respect of the FAI, but it is a project that is called a game of two halves. When we look at the broad group of people and entities who have received money under the community safety fund, they are worthwhile. The purpose of the amendment is to try to set out a statutory test that I will have to target money at areas that are indicated as being areas of high disadvantage under the Pobal scheme. As Deputy Ó Murchú said, we all know the areas of most disadvantage. The reason I did not accept the amendment on Committee Stage and cannot accept it here is that it is going to put in place a legal statutory process that would require me or another Minister to get a review every year and then ensure that I comply with the provisions set out in this amendment. It is a much better scenario for a Minister, whoever he or she may be, to be able to have an informal scheme whereby moneys can be given directly to all these worthwhile projects. I would love to have more time to respond, but I gave it to colleagues. There is a lot of great work being done by these projects around the country. I want to ensure that we get more money from the proceeds of crime and send it directly back into the community. For the reasons I have given now and on Committee Stage, I cannot accept the amendment.
Sentiment score: 0.14
I will.
Sentiment score: 0.00