Written Answers. - Open Borders Policy.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
88
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Justice
if, in relation to the impact of the EC open borders policy due to take place in six months time, he will outline his intentions in this regard; if he will give details of the preparatory training and the consultation with the Garda Síochána which has already taken place and which will take place; if he will further outline his views on whether the Garda Síochána will cope with the significant changes in policing given the resources and guidelines already in place.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
89
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Justice
if he will consider the establishment of divisional intelligence units in the Garda Síochána, especially in view of the increased importance of coastal watch, counter-smuggling and arms searches which will increase in importance post 1993; if he will give details of the way in which he intends to ensure that the Garda Síochána are fully equipped for their increased responsibilities and workload to the end of the 20th century; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
The removal of internal frontiers within the Community will require the introduction of compensatory measures to combat serious crime and drug trafficking in member states and the development of common procedures for control at the external borders.
Much work has already been done to prepare for the removal of internal frontiers including, in the policing context, the adoption of a Programme of Action by the Trevi meeting of Ministers for Justice and the Interior of the European Community held in Dublin during the Irish Presidency in June, 1990. That Programme of Action provides for the enhancement of police co-operation generally and includes specific measures designed to reinforce and build on existing co-operation in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime and illegal immigration. Work on the implementation of this Programme and a consequent increase in co-operation in all these areas has since taken place.
The decision taken by the European Council at Maastricht to establish a European Police Office (Europol), the initial function of which would be limited to organising the exchange of information on drugs among the Community's twelve member states, will further enhance police co-operation.
The Gardaí will continue to maintain very close liaison with Interpol and with Police and Customs authorities throughout Europe. This co-operation is vital to effective action against drug trafficking, terrorism and international organised crime. There is also a need to develop and co-ordinate effective measures against drugs on an international level and this problem is being addressed at a number of fora in which this country is actively involved.
The establishment of the Europol Drugs Unit will be particularly important in the post 1992 context. This unit will act as a centralised exchange and co-ordination unit for, in particular, drug-related information between member states. It will be of great practical benefit to us in dealing with drug trafficking.
Intelligence gathering systems are well established in An Garda Síochána at both divisional and national level and are working very satisfactorily. They are, of course, subject to constant review by the Commissioner and improvement as necessary.
The patrolling of frontiers to counter smuggling is a matter primarily for the Customs authorities and accordingly falls within the sphere of responsibility of the Minister for Finance.
