John Bruton
Ceist:77 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if the provisions of the Maastricht Treaty will be helpful in the fight against drugs-related crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drugs-Related Crime.
The Treaty on European Union will make an important contribution to the fight against drug related crime.
The Treaty, building on co-operation which has already been taking place between the member states of the European Community for many years, will provide a new framework for co-operation within the Union on justice and home affairs matters. Police co-operation for the purpose of preventing and combatting drug trafficking and the fight against drug addiction are matters specifically identified in the Treaty in that context as areas of common interest for the Union. The Treaty therefore recognizes the importance which attaches to co-operation on these matters and will allow the development of even closer co-operation among the Twelve in meeting the challenge of drug related crime.
In addition the Treaty envisages the creation of a European Police Office (EUROPOL) and will provide the framework for its development in the years ahead. Europol will have an important part to play in the fight against drug trafficking and drug related crime generally as is clear from the decision of the European Council that its initial function will be to organise the exchange of information on drugs among the Twelve when it decided to establish Europol at its meeting in Maastricht on 9 and 10 December, 1991.