Criminal assets could be sold off just two years after being seized by Gardaí, if a new Bill is enacted.

A new Bill is set to be debated in the Dáil today, aimed at reducing the timeframe that Gardaí can sell off the assets confiscated from criminals.

It is being introduced by Labour TD for Dublin South, Eamon Maloney, who said the current seven years is too long in the modern context.

"Whatever the reasons there might have been 19 years ago to include that, we're in a new situation now, and I don't think the proceeds of those engaged in crime … should be allowed to sit there for seven years."

He also said the funds made available by the sale of such goods should be redirected towards crime prevention units.

It should be helpful in terms of the important work," he said. "I believe that a lot of member s of the Dáil would support the view that he funding that comes from this would be spread in the direction of these task forces."