An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

Government amendment No. 4:

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

In page 7, to delete lines 18 to 21, and substitute the following subsection:

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

"(4) The State may join a joint investigation team that has been established by Member States other than the State if the Competent Authority is satisfied that–

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

(a) either–

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

(i) the conduct which would constitute an offence if it occurred in the State has occurred, or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that such conduct has occurred, partly in the State and partly in another Member State or States, or

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

(ii) the conduct which would constitute an offence if it occurred in the State has occurred, or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that such conduct has occurred, in another Member State or States and the investigation of it has links with the State,

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

and

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

(b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is in the public interest, having regard to the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation into the conduct concerned, to agree to the State joining the joint investigation team concerned because–

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

(i) it is likely that, in order for the investigation to be more effective, part of it will have to be conducted in the State, or

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

(ii) the investigation requires coordinated and concerted action by the Member States (including the State) concerned.".