Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister on a fulsome debate on this important issue, at a most appropriate time given the unfortunate and tragic incident that occurred in Limerick. A point was raised by a colleague, and is often put to me, that it is perceived by the general public that some of the more reputed criminals find shelter in places such as Spain. I accept that CAB cannot do anything about that. Is there a lack of extradition procedures with some European countries?

I am very concerned. The south of Spain is a lovely place to live. Some eastern European countries I have visited on holidays, such as Bulgaria, have a tendency to carry on old criminal liaisons that existed before the Iron Curtain fell. The worry is that some hitmen are brought in here from eastern Europe — that is a known fact. Many of the guns that come in are brought from eastern Europe. Can we improve, within Europe, enforcement in the smuggling of drugs and guns? I am concerned that high-profile criminals who seek refuge or retirement in the sun seem to be able to get away. Can the Minister respond on these matters?