Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Senators who have contributed to the debate. As many of them said, it is an important Bill and the tone and content of the debate has been very constructive.

The importance of co-operation between member states' operational police is recognised by the Treaty of Rome. It is an objective which the Government supports in full. The concept of joint teams is not new but one of the main obstacles which has arisen and which has mitigated against our success to date has been the lack of a specific agreed structure within which such teams could be established and operate. The Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Bill 2003 provides agreed conditions for such a structure.

The Bill provides a framework for the creation and operation of joint investigation teams which will enable law enforcement authorities to co-operate in a structured and meaningful way. It is another example of how we can put into practice in a real and meaningful way the type of co-operation which is so vital nowadays in ensuring that the world is a safer place for all.

I thank Senators for their contributions and look forward to the Bill coming before the other House and its enactment in time for the summer. I commend the Bill to the House.