Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring:

They were the years to which I referred in talking about resources. Insofar as communicating with the PSNI is concerned, the Deputy may be aware that the Minister for Justice and Equality is to introduce the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Bill to the Dáil, if he has not done so already. Its express purpose is to allow for international co-operation. We have no right to seek information from the PSNI, no more than a member of the community has such a right. We can contact the PSNI to look for information, but it can decide to give it to us or not. However, we have no protocols, operating procedures or formal arrangements with it. It is anticipated that, perhaps under new a policing Act in this jurisdiction, with the international co-operation provisions, there may be better communication.

If we ask the PSNI for information, no more than if the Deputy asks, it may give it to us but it is not obliged to do so. It is a difficult area.