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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 1

Customs and Excise (Mutual Assistance) Bill, 2000: Report and Final Stages.

We have now reached Report Stage and since there are no amendments on this Stage, we will proceed to Fifth Stage.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

I welcome the passing of this Bill. There has been intensive co-operation for many years between EU customs administrations which allow for a constant flow in intelligence and exchange of information to combat international smuggling and the value of that co-operation has been well illustrated over the years. The measures proposed in this Bill will no doubt enhance that co-operation. I thank all Members who contributed to the debate on the Bill and in particular the finance spokespersons for their co-operation in the passage of the Bill. I also thank all officials involved in the drafting of the legislation for their advice and assistance.

On Second Stage the Minister of State said he would take on board the various suggestions of Members. I expressed a concern that while we welcomed co-operation at international level to help prevent smuggling, particularly of drugs, I was concerned with Irish agencies working to the best of their ability to combat organised crime, both within and without the country. I felt there was a lack of co-ordination and co-operation among those agencies within the country. It often manifests itself when a drug haul has been seized by customs, the Naval Service or the Garda. When the drug haul is displayed afterwards there is a blatant lack of co-ordination and co-operation between the agencies. When they have all been involved in an operation it is necessary that they be seen together. All too often we see one or other agency rush to display the haul separately from the other organisations. There should be provisions in this and other Bills to ensure greater co-ordination of the work involved.

All sides welcomed this legislation, as anything that can help to stem the tide of drugs into the country is worthwhile. Things have changed dramatically in Europe in the past ten to 15 years, as the dismantling of boundaries means there is to be freer movement now than before. Without co-operation on intelligence between countries it would be far more difficult to combat organised crime. Drugs are a problem not just in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. Every town and village has this problem and while customs and excise cannot deal with all those problems, we depend on the Garda for protection. It is important that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform makes additional manpower, facilities and funding available to the Garda and all the other agencies involved to enable them continue their excellent work and, once and for all, to eliminate or reduce substantially the evils that occur.

Statistics show that an increasing proportion of crime is related to the illicit drugs trade. However, the Government has failed miserably to stem the growth of the drugs trade. It is only nibbling at the edges. However, that is not the only problem. Last week, organised criminals were able to stop the transit of a prisoner on a country road and release him. This is an indication that there are organised criminals within the State. The manpower needed would be in addition to the co-operation that is needed from outside the State in this area. There is an urgent need for the Minister of State and his colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to reassess the current position. We are losing the battle. Statistics can be used to prove anything – for example, that the level of crime is down. However, in broad daylight—

The Deputy is engaging in a Second Stage speech.

We are discussing organised crime nationally and internationally. There is a degree of international crime.

The Deputy should comment briefly on the contents of the Bill.

I welcome the Bill, but I was referring to my question to the Minister on Second Stage about whether there was any hope of greater co-ordination in the endeavours of the agencies dealing with organised crime inside and outside the State.

Deputy Burke's case for preferment is well made and no doubt it will be heard in the portals that matter. I am happy to facilitate the passage of the Bill. I do not wish to repeat my Second Stage contribution, but it is remarkable that, in some cases, the Revenue Commissioners' range of powers in dealing with customs matters now dwarfs the powers of the Garda. While I am sure all Members are happy to facilitate the forces of the State, including the Revenue Commissioners, in dealing with matters such as the exchange of intelligence and information and actions to combat crime and smuggling, there is a need to have due regard to and be appropriately vigilant in ensuring people's civil and human rights are respected. I am happy to facilitate the Bill and I thank the Minister and the Minister of State for their co-operation in bringing it to this point.

I thank the Deputies for their assistance in the passage of the Bill. I note Deputy Burke's contribution, which, although important, I did not think would arise when the Bill was almost passed. However, I reassure him that some of the matters he raised are fundamental to the Bill. They are part of the reason the Bill has been expedited by the House and I appreciate the co-operation I received in that regard.

Regarding the position within the country, a memorandum of understanding was completed some time ago between the Garda and Customs and Excise. At the end of last year, an operational protocol to flesh out and clarify matters, such as those raised by the Deputy, was signed. This will enhance co-operation on the island. The Bill is welcome and will make a major contribution to our ability to deal with international crime.

Question put and agreed to.

The Bill will now be sent to the Seanad.

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