Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2006
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied regarding the degree to which Garda authorities receive co-operation from police forces in other European jurisdictions with particular reference to efforts to combat drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that international co-operation between law enforcement agencies is achieved in a number of ways, including the exchange of strategic and operational intelligence on the activities and modi operandi of criminal networks and organisations. This includes the exchange of intelligence relating to the trafficking and distribution of drugs.
The Garda Síochána has an excellent level of co-operation with police forces from other jurisdictions through formal agreements and informal police-to-police contact. A network of formal and informal contacts has been developed with EU and non-EU countries. In order to facilitate co-operation between law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activity, the Garda Síochána has a number of liaison officers posted in EU member states. In addition, Ireland is a member of Europol and has access through its liaison officers based at Europol's headquarters in the Hague to police forces throughout the European Union. The Garda Síochána has sought and been successful in receiving EU funding to conduct conferences and seminars designed to enhance co-operation between law enforcement agencies throughout the European Union. Ireland has direct access to all Interpol national bureaux. Currently, more than 180 countries are members of Interpol.
International co-operation is also achieved through investigations conducted by the Garda Síochána within the State at the request of foreign law enforcement agencies and by the Garda Síochána requesting the assistance of other law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations on behalf of the Irish State in other jurisdictions. These requests are governed by the relevant legislation concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
A number of co-operation agreements are in place with Governments and police forces in other jurisdictions, including Hungary, the Russian Federation, Poland, Cyprus and Bulgaria. These cover a range of criminal justice matters, including co-operation in combating drug trafficking, money laundering, organised crime, trafficking in persons, terrorism and other serious crime. Negotiations are ongoing on proposals for agreements with other jurisdictions. In addition, the Garda Síochána has put in place memoranda of understanding between the money laundering investigation unit of the Garda Síochána and financial intelligence units in other jurisdictions. These pertain to co-operation in the exchange of financial intelligence on money laundering.
