Minister for Justice Alan Shatter is working with his European counterparts to establish an EU-wide asset confiscation regime similar to that of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Mr Shatter said Cab's activities had received "recognition" abroad and that co-operation in a European context would add "real value" to the fight against crime.
"The effectiveness of the bureau’s non-conviction based model in confiscating the proceeds of crime has gained much recognition, not only within the State, but also on the international stage," he said today.
Presenting Cab's 15th annual report to the Oireachtas, Mr Shatter said: "The Criminal Assets Bureau annual report for 2010 once again highlights the success of the Bureau in targeting the proceeds of criminal activity in this jurisdiction."
He said a Government review of the legislation underpinning Cab's work is continuing with a view to strengthening its powers.
The bureau seized some €3.1m last year from people suspected of benefiting directly or indirectly from criminal activity. Taxes and interest collected on undeclared income from criminal activities amounted to €4 million.
Cab also obtained interim orders to the value of more than €7 million and final restraints orders totalling over €4.5 million in the same period.
The bureau also pursued a number of criminals who were found to be claiming social welfare payments despite having incomes from crime. Criminals who were overpaid social welfare were also targeted by the bureau and social service savings amounted to over €633,698 while €181,272 was recovered.
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