Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. As Senator Terry mentioned, he is a frequent visitor to the House which is indicative of the number of Bills emanating from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This Bill is to be welcomed as it gives effect in Irish law to the requirements of the EU Council framework decision of 13 June 2002 which resulted from the call at the 1999 European Council for the establishment of joint investigation teams, as envisaged under Article 30 of the Treaty on European Union. Joint investigation teams can be set up by mutual agreement for specific purposes over a limited time by two or more member states.

There has been harmonisation in many areas since Ireland's accession to the European Union which has benefited citizens throughout the Union. There are many fine examples of this such as the Common Agricultural Policy. While farming is going through a difficult period, the harmonisation of agricultural policy has benefited farmers throughout the Union. Harmonisation of competition and consumer legislation has benefited citizens as well as free trade and the free movement of people. Labour law and environmental controls have also been harmonised. Co-operation in law enforcement is welcome while harmonisation of laws within the Union and the protection of citizens are moves in the right direction, which I hope will be fully supported by the Minister of State and his Department.