Proceeds of Crime Bill and Ukraine solidarity
Brendan Howlin said the Proceeds of Crime (Gross Human Rights Abuses) Bill should be completed this week as a signal of solidarity with Ukraine. He asked whether Government time would be provided if it could not be finished in time for Private Members’ business.
As the House knows, we had hoped to take the remaining Stages of the Proceeds of Crime (Gross Human Rights Abuses) Bill this week. It passed Second Stage last December. It is a very short and concise Bill to extend the powers of CAB to deal with those abusing human rights wherever. It is particularly apt and important right now in the context of the past 12 days. It would have shown a clear signal of solidarity and our determination to stand with the people of Ukraine. It has not proven possible for, in truth, technical reasons. I listened carefully to what the Taoiseach said earlier on Leaders' Questions, that we have to look outside the norms in this crisis and look outside the box. I appreciate that the Chairman of the justice committee has called a meeting this evening to see whether we can waive pre-legislative scrutiny. I appreciate that the Minister for Justice has agreed to meet me tomorrow to see whether we can advance this.
Comment on this
If we cannot do it this week, it is important that we have special legislation to deal with this. Since we will not have Private Members' time, will the Taoiseach undertake to give Government time to conclude the legislation speedily?