A PD attempt to have assets which were seized from criminals used for drug awareness programmes failed. The proposal, by the party's spokeswoman on justice, Ms Liz O'Donnell, was introduced by way of an amendment to the Proceeds of Crime Bill.
It was rejected by the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, who said while the motivation was worthy, it was not possible to "ring fence" resources in that way.
Ms O'Donnell asked. "Why should the money simply flow into the black hole of the Department of Finance and the Exchequer? Why not devise a relevant plan for the use of this money?"
The Bill, which allows for the freezing and later disposing of assets of suspected criminals, was introduced as a Private Member's Bill by the Fianna Fail spokesman on justice, Mr John O'Donoghue and amended by the Minister at committee stage.
Yesterday's PD amendment was supported by Mr O'Donoghue and Mr Tony Gregory (Independent, Dublin Central). Fine Gael backbencher Mr Charles Flanagan
The amendment was defeated by 72 votes to 58.
The Bill passed all stages.