Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if sufficient contact has been made with police forces in other jurisdictions with particular reference to the need to stamp out organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21419/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Síochána maintains regular contact with other police forces through established channels which provide for the structured exchange of information and intelligence, including information and intelligence relating to organised crime.

Gardaí also participate in many international fora in relation to organised crime. Moreover, they participate at all levels of Europol activity. The primary purpose of Europol is to facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence and to carry out detailed analyses of crimes within its remit in order to assist EU member states in preventing and combating international organised crime. It is there to support national law enforcement authorities and to facilitate EU police co-operation.

In addition to Garda liaison officers based at Europol and Interpol, there are four Garda liaison officers based in major European capitals. These liaison officers assist inquiries relating to significant criminal investigations which have a connection to this jurisdiction.

The exchange of evidence between jurisdictions for criminal prosecutions is governed by international conventions and related domestic legislation.

The Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Act 2004 gives effect in Irish law to an agreement at European Union level which attempts to ensure that international boundaries are not used by criminal gangs to their advantage. It provides for the setting up of joint investigation teams by mutual consent of member states for a specific purpose and limited period. A joint investigation team can carry out a criminal investigation with a cross-border dimension in one or more of the member states setting up the team.

There is regular contact between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland regarding cross-Border organised crime and last year the two police forces launched the first ever joint organised crime threat assessment.