Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2008
1236 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government contributes directly to Frontex, the EU border monitoring agency; if it has a role in detecting drug smuggling into Ireland; if not, his views on whether its remit should be expanded to include this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1810/08]
View answerThe European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX) was established in 2005 following the adoption of Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004. The FRONTEX Regulation is a measure under Title IV of the Treaty establishing the European Community concerning visas, asylum, immigration and other policies related to free movement of persons. The Agency is tasked with improving the coordination of operational cooperation between the Member States in the field of external border management and liaises closely with other Community Agencies responsible for the security of the external borders.
Ireland is not bound by, or subject to, the application of the Regulation establishing FRONTEX as the Regulation was brought forward as an instrument constituting a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part. Ireland and the United Kingdom may nevertheless take part in FRONTEX activities with the agreement of the Management Board. In 2007 arrangements were made which allow for participation by Ireland in the Agency on the basis of an agreed annual request and financial contribution. Ireland requested participation in 2007 and made a financial contribution of €250,000.
The question of whether the role of the Agency should be broadened to include drug smuggling is a matter that can only be decided by the Council of the European Union. Any proposal to broaden the remit of the Agency would require an assessment of the added value to be gained and an examination of the legal basis upon which the Agency is founded.
There is already considerable ongoing work taking place internationally to prevent drug smuggling into Ireland. The Garda National Drugs Unit continually strives to increase the level of cooperation through international law enforcement agencies, Interpol and Europol and Garda liaison officers are currently in place in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and at Europol and Interpol. These officers liaise with the police and judicial authorities in those and neighbouring jurisdictions in the context of serious and organised criminal activity, including drug dealing, which has an Irish dimension. Ongoing cooperation through these arrangements continue to result in a number of significant drug seizures and arrests and has been successful in dismantling national and international drug trafficking networks who seek to supply and distribute drugs within the State. In addition, the Criminal Assets Bureau continues its statutory remit to deprive criminals of their assets pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2005 and relevant Revenue and Social Welfare legislation irrespective of where the people in question may be located.
The recent establishment of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre in Lisbon will further enhance efforts in detecting drug dealing into Europe. Ireland is one of the founding members of this centre. This Centre which is international and inter-agency, is focusing on intelligence exchange leading to the interdiction of large maritime and aviation drug shipments, and the severing of links between transportation networks and the shore based command and control personnel. Ireland will place a Garda Drugs Liaison Officer and a Customs Liaison Officer at the Centre on a full time basis. The Naval Service will place an officer at the Centre as the need arises when it is involved in operational activity there.
Finally, I will continue to keep the measures and resources for tackling organised crime, including drug trafficking, under review. I will also continue to work with my EU colleagues in the Justice and Home Affairs Council to ensure that every possible measure, legislative or otherwise, is put in place to enhance EU strategies for combating transnational organised crime.
