Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and this valuable legislation which will be a major asset in strengthening the rule of law in the fight against organised crime. As the Minister of State and my colleague, Senator Jim Walsh, outlined, the purpose of the Bill is to give effect in law to a Council framework decision to establish joint investigating teams. Teams will be set up for a specific purpose and a limited period to carry out criminal investigations with a cross-border dimension where one or more member states are involved. This initiative will lend much greater cohesion and co-operation to the concept of fighting international organised crime and send a clear message to those involved that the European Union and its member states, including Ireland as of today, are serious about tracking those involved in terrorism and the trafficking of drugs and human beings.

The events of 11 September 2001 resulted in a new focus on terrorism. America has shown by its actions in Iraq that it is focused on the issue and will tackle it wherever and whenever it raises its ugly head. I hope Europe's commitment in this regard will be seen as serious.

In countries with borders there is always a probability that smuggling will take place. The smuggling of alcohol, petrol and various other commodities, when profitable, has been a feature of our Border between North and South. In the current economic climate trucks containing some of these commodities have started running in the opposite direction. Money laundering and VAT fraud have been a feature of cross-Border criminality here in recent years.

The scale of the problem, particularly drug trafficking, was highlighted late last year when a haul of drugs valued at €25 million was intercepted on its way from Belgium to both parts of this country. The shipment in question was bound for a cell of an organised gang based in both the North and the South which, I understand, had links to both Nationalist and loyalist paramilitaries. Some time after the find I read an article which stated two paramilitary organisations in the North were earning in the region of €8 million and €12 million respectively from organised crime, which gives us an indication of the type of mountain we have to climb.

In giving effect to this Council decision, the Government and the European Union are sending a clear message that we take this matter very seriously. Closer co-operation between police forces, customs authorities and the intelligence services will play a major part in the combined effort. As the Minister of State said, the measures will allow two police forces to set up a joint investigation team for a specific period and with specific terms of reference to carry out a joint investigation in either participating country. In addition, the member of an outside police force working in a second country is given the official status of its police force while investigating a crime. This is a unique and far-sighted measure which will bring about greater co-operation between police forces.

Instead of just talking to someone on the other end of a telephone line, people will now form bonds and friendships. This will create a better cohesive working unit and be a positive step in fighting crime across borders.