asked the Minister for Justice the purpose and function of the TREVI group; the date and circumstances of its establishment; the nature of Ireland's participation in it; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
52.
Written Answers. - Crime and Security Information.
51.
asked the Minister for Justice whether crime and security information gathered in Ireland is shared with other nations through the TREVI group or Interpol, or through any other arrangement; if so, if he will give details of such arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
At a meeting in Rome in December 1975 the European Council decided that Community Ministers of the Interior and Ministers for Justice should meet to discuss matters arising in the field of their responsibilities, in particular matters relating to law and order. The first such meeting took place on 29 June 1976 at which Ministers affirmed their common will to strengthen co-operation in the fight against organised international crime and terrorism. Ministerial meetings have continued to be held at regular intervals since then and successive Irish Ministers for Justice have participated in them. In addition meetings involving police officials and officials of the Ministries of the Interior and/or Justice are held to discuss different aspects of the matters with which the TREVI organisation is concerned.
Both through the TREVI network and through Interpol, the Garda Síochána cooperate with other police forces in combating international crime and terrorism, and this includes, where appropriate, the exchange of information that may be of assistance. Exchanges of this nature take place on a bi-lateral or multi-lateral basis, as necessary.