Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Where EPPO undertakes the investigations, it is specific to member states that are signed up. We have not signed up officially but we are putting in place a mechanism to allow for that exchange of information. The UK has engaged with and is working to ensure that there is no loss of ability to exchange information now it is outside the EU. Depending on where the incident happens or the case is taken, that is where the case will be heard. For example, there are a number of cases at the moment, one of which is in Italy. That case is being heard in Italy because that is where the crime was committed so that is what we are generally talking about here. The case will be taken wherever the crime took place but where there is a need to engage with other relevant authorities, this simply allows through the public prosecutor's office that information and that exchange to take place on a sound legal footing or a legal footing as they are requiring. Beyond that, when it comes to the UK, as is the case with a lot of different justice strands, engagement was happening with the EU to make sure that where possible, there can be that close alignment and co-operation when it comes to criminal justice matters.