Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. The Bill deals with the mutual assistance of international co-operation in criminal matters. Mutual legal assistance is how countries formally request and provide assistance on criminal investigations or proceedings in another country. The Bill amends the Criminal justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, the principal Act, and gives effect to a number of EU framework decisions, which the Minister mentioned, and European Council decisions on mutual assistance. These changes aim to increase co-operation with other EU member states and Japan in tackling crime. The Minister published the Criminal justice (Mutual Assistance) (Amendment) Bill in August. In announcing the proposals, the Minister stated:

Crime does not recognise international borders. It is important, therefore, that the reach of our laws can also extend beyond our own borders. I expect that this Bill will be particularly useful in targeting cross-border offenders who commit offences and in confiscating proceeds of crime.

As one who lives on the Border, and one of the closest Senators to the Border, I have been subjected to crime. Within four minutes, a criminal can cross the Border and it is very difficult. I am glad the Bill will give us the legal framework to follow up and enhance co-operation between both police forces. Crime happens in many of our Border counties, and the criminals escape. Hopefully, co-operation will increase and we will apprehend those involved.
Criminals repeat crimes. Recently, I heard of a man who was travelling on a boat to Scotland. He saw the registration of a jeep and, assuming the owner of the jeep was on board, had an announcement made to ask the owner of the jeep to meet him.

The jeep had been stolen and was on its way to Scotland for whatever reason. The Bill will enhance the possibility of bringing such perpetrators to justice. I welcome and support the Bill.