Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that I engage actively with An Garda Síochána on the issue and will continue to do so. Not only is it an area of some complexity, it is an area that is not specifically under the remit of one Department.

It also has an international dimension. In that regard, Ireland is represented at the second protocol drafting plenary meetings, while we are in the process of implementing the legislation necessary to allow full ratification of the convention. A further meeting will be held in the next few weeks and Ireland will be represented. We are keen to ensure, when the second protocol to the Budapest Convention is finalised, that it will align as closely as possible with the issues raised by the Deputy such as protocols, notifications and production. We want it to align with the EU e-evidence package. The recent adoption of a mandate to allow the European Commission to participate in negotiations on behalf of the Union is welcome. There is much work to be done. It is a complex issue. My priority is to see the publication and introduction of the legislation to allow for ratification as soon as possible.

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