Written Answers. - European Anti-Terrorism Measures.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:
586
Mr. O'Malley
asked the
Minister for Justice
the steps, if any, Ireland proposes to take during its Presidency of the EU through the Inter-Governmental Conference and under the appropriate pillar of the Maastrict Treaty, to improve the co-operation necessary to deal with international terrorism and organised crime, particularly in view of recent examples, such as the IRA explosions at Manchester and Osnabruck; and whether Ireland will put the question of dealing with terrorist offences such as these of an international character throughout the EU on the agenda of the Inter-Governmental Conference and the European Council.
[14885/96]
Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, which governs co-operation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs, already provides that member states will, inter alia, regard police co-operation for the purpose of preventing and combating terrorism, unlawful drug trafficking and other forms of international crime, as matters of common interest. Structures already exist within title VI directed to improving co-operation on these matters on an ongoing basis. Ireland will take forward this work during the term of the Presidency in accordance with the priorities identified by the Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers for the period 1996-98.
The Irish Presidency will endeavour to build on the work already under way from previous Presidencies to enhance co-operation between member states in combating terrorism. Specifically the Irish Presidency will (i) prepare an updated evaluation of the internal and external terrorist threat to the Union (which is manifested in attacks such as those referred to in the Question); (ii) seek to further enhance co-operation at operational police level between member states to counter that threat and (iii) endeavour to secure the adoption of new legal measures to ensure that persons suspected of involvement in terrorist offences are brought to justice.
The Florence European Council stressed the vital importance of reinforced co-operation between member states to fight against drugs and organised crime.
Among the key Union-wide actions which the Irish Presidency will pursue in order to improve co-operation in the compating of drugs and organised crime will be:
— A review by member states of the adequacy of co-operation in protecting the external borders (s) of the EU — with particular reference to combating the problem of the importation of drugs by land, sea or air
— That arrangements be made to introduce co-operation between national forensic laboratories as an aid to law enforcement in consultation with the EDU (Europol).
— A declaration aimed at the introduction of sentences for serious drug trafficking offences, in the national laws of each member state, which come within the range of the severest penalties imposed in that member state.
— To actively pursue the ongoing study on the effect that the possible harmonisation of member states' laws would have on reducing consumption and illicit trafficking of drugs with a view to its completion by the end of 1996.
— A Community-wide initiative be launched to encourage member states' customs administrations to enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with relevant trade bodies and companies in the private sector, with a view to enlisting their help in the fight against drugs.
— To promote enhanced co-operation between police and customs services and greater co-operation between member states in respect of exchange and training of law enforcement officers involved in anti-trafficking activities. In this regard a policy/customs co-operation seminar took place on the 3 and 4 July 1996 which considered practical measures of furthering this co-operation.
On the international front, the Presidency will strive for close co-operation between all regions affected by the problem of drug trafficking and organised crime. Full and effective use will be made of all available mechanisms, including opportunities offered by the process of structured dialogue between the Council of Ministers of the European Union and that of non-EU states such as the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, the Transatlantic Action Plan, the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The establishment of a co-operation mechanism between the European Union and Latin America including the Caribbean is also a priority and where appropriate with the United States and Canada.
In the policing and customs area, in addition to the major objective of tackling drug-related criminal problems, the Irish Presidency will be concentrating on developing and intensifying the effective exchange of information and practical co-operation between the competent services of the member states. It will focus, in particular, on the training of personnel, crime prevention measures, measures to tackle organised crime, stolen vehicles and illegal trafficking of all kinds.
Under the Intergovernmental Conference it is envisaged that changes to the Treaty of the European Union will be proposed prioritising action to combat drugs and focusing on the importance of protecting the external borders of the Union in the fight against drugs and organised crime.
The Protocol to the Europol Convention was signed in Brussels on 24 July 1996. This will enable ratification of that Convention which will be an important instrument in the fight against organised crime.
