Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 1

Written Answers. - Criminal Investigations.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

366 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied) that a former prominent political figure, who is a non-national currently resident in this country, is being investigated by Swiss federal investigators in connection with drug trafficking offences; and if he will give an assurance that investigators from other jurisdictions will not meet any impediment in terms of access to that individual. [19459/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

With regard to the first part of the question, the report has been drawn to my attention.

With regard to the second part of the question, for legal reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to refer to this individual case. As a general statement, I can inform the Deputy that Ireland is a party to a number of international conventions providing for mutual assistance in criminal matters. Requests under the conventions are received regularly from foreign authorities for such assistance and all requests are processed by the authorities here in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and the conventions.