18.—(1) A statement made by a member of the Garda Síochána—

(a) in proceedings under section 14, on affidavit or, if the High Court so directs, in oral evidence, or

(b) in proceedings under section 15, in oral evidence,

that he or she believes that the respondent is in possession or control of funds that are being used, or may be intended for use, in committing or facilitating the commission of an offence under section 6 or 13 is evidence of the matter if the Court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for that belief.

(2) The standard of proof applicable in civil proceedings is the standard required to determine any question arising under section 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 or 20.

(3) Proceedings under section 14 in relation to an interim order shall be heard otherwise than in public and any proceedings under section 15, 16, 17 or 19 may, if the respondent or any other party to the proceedings (other than the applicant) so requests and the Court considers it proper, be heard otherwise than in public.

(4) The Court may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, prohibit the publication of such information as it may determine in relation to proceedings under section 14, 15, 16, 17 or 19, including information relating to—

(a) applications for, the making or refusal of and the contents of orders under any of those sections, and

(b) the persons to whom those orders relate.