Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very happy to speak on this Bill. Europol has been in existence since 1995 and over the years has done very valuable work in tackling cross-Border crime. Until now its existence was based on an EU convention which has been subject to many amendments and subsequent protocols that in turn were subject to lengthy ratification procedures by member states. As a result, it was decided to replace these instruments with a European Council decision which will ease any future amendments.

This Bill is significantly more detailed than the existing Europol Act in that every aspect which has a domestic effect must be provided for in this legislation. It is important to note that, under the convention, Europol had the status of an intergovernmental organisation and was funded from contributions from member states. The establishment of Europol under a Council decision gives it the status of an agency of the European Union. In consequence, it will be funded from the general budget of the European Union.

There are various types of criminals who have high levels of sophistication. These criminals are developing new techniques, use modern technology and up-to-date communications. This makes it imperative that Europol can be flexible in its approach as a crime-fighting organisation. Changes to keep up with the criminal world need to be made as simply and as quickly as possible. The core objective of Europol under the Council's decision is to improve the effectiveness and co-operation of law enforcement authorities of member states. The focus is on preventing and combating organised crime, terrorism and any other forms of serious crime that affect two or more member states. Originally, organised crime was the sole focus of Europol's activities. From now on it will be sufficient for the crime concerned to involve a serious offence such as unlawful drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal immigrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, illicit trade in human organs, racketeering and extortion, computer crime, and many other criminal activities.

The Europol police force is mainly made up of officers seconded from national agencies. An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, as well as officers from Revenue and Customs and Excise, work together and with others across Europe to combat crime and in co-operation with police and law enforcement agencies throughout the world. Crime and crime bosses do not recognise borders, as the Minister pointed out. No member state, including Ireland, can avoid the impact of international crime. The very nature of this crime requires the co-operation of several states to ensure an effective response.

Europol provides very necessary support and co-ordination to national law enforcement agencies, and this helps to make Europe a more secure and safer place for all its citizens. Some citizens may have concerns about the accumulation of personal data on a Europe-wide basis. It must be noted that data under the Act are subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Acts. This Council decision formally puts in place data protection officer and also guarantees the independent nature of this officer's role. In addition, section 13 of the Bill provides for access by individuals to personal data. This will ensure that any data held by Europol can be examined by a citizen to ensure that they are fair and accurate.

This Bill will strengthen Europol in combating crimes that increasingly move across borders. Without Europol, combating such crimes would be almost impossible. I am happy to commend the Bill to the House.

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