Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter. I do not approach this question in any racial or prejudicial manner but with the wish to create an awareness of the issue for Members of this House and the public. There are people entering our jurisdiction in Ireland who have a criminal record in other jurisdictions, either inside or outside the EU. It is important for us to tackle this sensitive issue collectively.

A case has been brought to my attention of a non-national who was allowed to enter this country, obtain a personal public service, PPS, number and employment, travel from Ireland to another EU country, return to Ireland and travel to and from his home country before eventually travelling to another European country where he was arrested on foot of an outstanding warrant. I am concerned there is no inter-governmental co-operation or concentration of resources to prevent, if that is the right word -I look forward to the reply in that respect - people coming to this country who are either wanted for trial in other countries and have skipped bail, who are on remand or who are awaiting a court appearance. It seems extraordinary that either an EU or non-EU citizen can come to this country, obtain a PPS number and employment while being wanted on a European arrest warrant. In the case I refer to it is an EU country that is involved.

We must be serious about combating crime and working with other EU countries to protect our own and other citizens. I will not put names on the record of the House but the case of which I am of aware has potentially serious implications. I know a number of families, and one in particular, which were traumatised and had their lives upset. There was a relationship between the person wanted for a crime and a member of one family. It was almost as if lives ended when the person was arrested.

What measures are in place to prevent people in respect of whom there are ongoing legal proceedings travelling either from within or outside Europe to this country? What safeguards can be given to citizens? It seems extraordinary that people with a criminal record and the subject of an EU arrest warrant can come to this country. The bigger picture is that we must protect our citizens, borders and territory from known criminals. I look forward to the reply.

I welcome an integrated Irish society where people from within and without Europe can live and work. I have worked very closely with some of the groups in Cork which deal with asylum seekers, refugees and other groups to bring about assimilation and unity in the community. In this case a known criminal came to the country, obtained work but was arrested in another EU country when he travelled there. It is not good enough in modern Ireland to have a breakdown in communications that would allow our borders and communities to be infiltrated. That may be too strong a word. Criminals and people with criminal records are coming to our jurisdiction and the current position is not good enough. I look forward to the reply.