Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
278. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will clarify whether there are formal arrangements in place for the exchange of data and-or intelligence between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. [20287/23]
View answerWorking with our Northern Ireland counterparts on criminal justice issues has always been a priority. I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department and in An Garda Síochána are committed to continuing to work with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and to maintaining close relationships.
Cross-border policing co-operation is based on a close and productive working relationship between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Both organisations routinely share information under sections 96-100 of the Data Protection Act 2018.
There is currently a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Data Sharing Agreement in place between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, which outlines the agreed processes that must be followed when sharing information between both organisations. Such information is shared to assist in complying with statutory obligations of vindicating the human rights of each individual, protecting the security of the State and the prevention and detection of crime.
Additionally, international cooperation agreements with other police services are currently covered by section 28 and 28A of An Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended. This includes cooperation with the PSNI.
It is intended that this approach will be continued in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill where, as the Bill stands, such cooperation is provided for under section 93. That approach explicitly provides for the possibility of exchanging information between An Garda Síochána and police services from other jurisdictions.
