Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which efforts have been made to target overseas locations in which Irish criminals and criminal gangs are known to frequent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21788/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the efforts being made through Interpol and other agencies with a view to targeting Irish crime gangs here and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21789/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Síochána that the successful targeting of criminal assets in this country has caused many of the major crime figures to re-locate and direct their criminal activity from outside this jurisdiction. I am further informed that the Garda Síochána maintains contact with other police forces through established channels which provide for the structured exchange of intelligence on matters, particularly with regard to organised crime and criminals.

Members of the Garda Síochána participate in many international fora with regard to organised crime. Four Garda liaison officers are permanently based in major European capitals. These officers facilitate inquiries relating to significant criminal investigations which have connections with this jurisdiction. There are also members of the Garda Síochána seconded to Europol and Interpol. Europol is the intelligence co-ordination agency for all European law enforcement organisations and members of the Garda Síochána actively participate at all levels in its activities. Where intelligence is available regarding the location and activities of Irish criminals abroad, this intelligence is disseminated to the relevant police authorities through Interpol or Europol.

The exchange of evidence for criminal prosecutions between jurisdictions is governed by international conventions; currently all exchanges are subject of the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 — Part VII. The Garda Síochána continues to actively participate in extensive, formal, informal and bilateral relationships with police forces and order law enforcement agencies throughout the world. It is continuously developing its support services in co-operation with other law enforcement agencies.

The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is continually adapting to new challenges in relation to targeting Irish crime gangs here and overseas. The bureau regularly assesses the effectiveness of new legislation and implementing strategies that will efficiently combat organised crime to facilitate responses to emerging trends.