Bill to reinvest proceeds seized by CAB in disadvantaged communities

Bill

A bill introduced by TDs Mark Ward and Ruairí Ó Murchú that would see money seized by CAB put back into disadvantaged areas will be debated at second stage. Teachta Ward is calling for cross party support for The Proceeds of Crime (Investment in Disadvantaged Communities) (Amendment) Bill 2021. Teachta Ward said: “The vast majority of the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau has been ripped  from the communities in which the criminals have been most active. It must therefore be returned to these communities.

“I represent Dublin Mid West and grew up in North Clondalkin. Parts of my constituency have been torn  apart from drug use  and criminality over the years. “It is no coincidence that some of our most disadvantaged communities are the communities mostly affected by crime. “Years of cuts and stagnation in funding for community-based services by successive governments have eroded community resilience. “Sinn Féin has always advocated that any money seized by CAB should be put back into communities to rebuild resilience and to enhance existing these community services

“In response to a parliamentary question I raised, it was confirmed that CAB seized almost €65 million in cash and assets 2019. This is a huge increase on previous years and is very welcome news. “If passed, this bill would require the Minister for Finance to carry out a review of the financial supports required for disadvantaged communities affected by crime, and to reinvest the money generated through the seizure of assets by CAB in those communities, with a view to alleviating the impact of crime and

enhancing crime prevention measures.

“It is vitally important  that additional money invested in our communities needs to be on top of allocated resources, and not seen as a replacement to normal funding channels. “It does not happen by accident that most of the money seized by CAB originates in areas that are highly disadvantaged. “Family resource centres, youth organisations, unemployment services, sports clubs, drug task forces  and others who work in disadvantaged areas should benefit from this fund. “I have had positive soundings from government parties in the past  when I have raised this issue in the Dáil, and I am calling for cross-party support on Thursday. 

Sarah Brooks

Sarah Brooks

Sarah has worked in marketing and content creation for many years. In her role at Newsgroup, she is the online editor of www.newsgroup.ie with a particular interest in local news and events. Sarah also works closely with our editorial team on our printed editions in Tallaght, Lucan, Clondalkin and Rathcoole/Saggart. If you have a story and would like to make contact please email Sarah at info@newsgroup.ie.

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