Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House and thank him for his contribution. CEPOL is an EU agency dedicated to providing training and learning opportunities to law enforcement officers on issues vital to the security of the European Union. Its main activities are providing education courses and organising seminars and conferences in this regard. From speaking to a senior member of An Garda Síochána last night, I know the organisation is a very active contributor to the agency and is keen to continue to benefit from participation of CEPOL as a full member. I understand that on this occasion it will have representation on the agency's management board. It is very keen to ensure continued participation as a full member because it has benefitted greatly from it since its inception in 2005. In accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of Protocol No. 21 to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Ireland needs to notify the Council and Commission that it wishes to accept the measures as described in the regulation. This requires completion of the implementation of the CEPOL regulation. Our function, if we agree, is to pass this legislation to ensure An Garda Síochána continues to be a full member of this very worthy organisation.