Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the degree of co-operation between the Garda and police forces worldwide in the battle against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29974/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that international co-operation between law enforcement agencies is achieved in a number of ways, including the exchange of strategic and operational intelligence on the activities and modus operandi of criminal networks and organisations involved in the international trafficking of controlled drugs and in drug distribution. International co-operation is also achieved by the conduct of investigations within the State at the request of foreign law enforcement agencies and by requesting the assistance of other jurisdictions in conducting investigations on behalf of the Irish State, in accordance with legislation governing mutual assistance in criminal matters.

In order to facilitate co-operation between law enforcement agencies, the Garda Síochána has assigned liaison officers to the UK, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Europol and Interpol. In addition, the Garda Síochána has made very valuable use of EU funded programmes to organise seminars aimed at enhancing co-operation between law enforcement agencies throughout the European Union. Co-operation with a number of international law enforcement agencies has yielded tangible results, as exemplified by a number of recent successes, and I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána is meeting its responsibilities in terms of international co-operation in the fight against drugs.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the level of co-operation between the Garda and other police forces, directly or through Interpol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29975/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed that the Garda Síochána has an excellent level of co-operation with all EU member states on a one-to-one basis as a result of the Garda Síochána's active participation in EU funded programmes since 1995. A network of formal and informal contacts has been developed with EU and non-EU countries. Ireland is a member of Europol and is also one of 184 countries that are members of Interpol. Through the Interpol i24/7 server, Ireland has direct access to all Interpol national bureau, which further enables and enhances police co-operation.