Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I welcome these amendments to the Bill, which amount to more than 200, and in particular this area. The Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between Member States of the European Union was adopted in 2000 and the Council Framework Decision on the execution of orders freezing property or evidence dates back to July 2003. It is welcome that this legislation is reaching its final phase at last. When this matter was raised in the Seanad initially I was spokesperson on justice dealing with it. I am glad these items, especially the amendments in this section and other sections, are coming into play finally because we must have assistance between member states on criminal matters in respect of drugs and terrorism offences. We cannot succeed on our own. We must have assistance from the member states and I am glad the Government is coming on board in that regard. It opted out of the clause on co-operation and policing in the Lisbon treaty and I welcome the fact it will review that in coming years.

This legislation is essential for tackling crime, the proceeds of crime and drugs. We see the problems they are creating on the streets in every town in the country. I welcome these amendments. It is about time we had legislation such as this and I would hope that in the review taking place we will join with our European partners and not opt out of legislation on the Lisbon treaty.