Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Cabinet approval of the Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025 — the most significant reform of Ireland’s civil asset forfeiture laws in almost 30 years.

“This is a major step forward in the State’s fight against serious and organised crime,” said Minister Canney. “Criminal gangs rely on money and assets to exert control and influence. By strengthening the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau and accelerating the process for asset seizure, we are sending a clear message: crime will not pay.”

The new Bill introduces sweeping changes, including:

Reducing the waiting time for final asset disposal from 7 years to just 2 years.
Allowing for immediate appointment of a receiver once a court determines assets are the proceeds of crime.
New powers to freeze bank accounts suspected of holding criminal proceeds, even before a full court order is in place.
Stronger powers for District Courts to restrain suspect funds for up to 90 days, with renewals allowed.

Minister Canney also welcomed the Bill’s focus on community benefit: “I am particularly pleased that this legislation continues to support the re-investment of seized criminal assets into local communities. The Community Safety Fund is a tangible example of how the State can turn criminal proceeds into public good — helping to tackle youth crime, anti-social behaviour, and drug-related intimidation on the ground.”

The Community Safety Fund has distributed over €7.6 million since 2021, with a further €4 million allocated in Budget 2025 to support local safety and prevention initiatives.