Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of expatriate Irish based in each EU state in a category (details supplied). [8689/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána is aware of the identities of a number of Irish citizens who currently reside outside this jurisdiction and are believed to be involved in criminal activity related to the drugs trade. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for the Garda authorities to be absolute about numbers but I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána, through its ongoing liaison and contacts with law enforcement agencies in other EU member states, continues to target these individuals.

The persons in question choose to reside abroad for a variety of reasons, including ongoing Garda activities to counter criminal activity within the State. Although resident outside this jurisdiction, the Garda Síochána, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, continues to target the activities of these individuals both at home and abroad through the following methods: (i) conducting targeted operations against individuals and organisations operating within this jurisdiction with known links to international criminals, including Irish nationals based abroad; (ii) exchanging strategic and operational intelligence with other law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and Europol, in accordance with legislation and operational protocols; and (iii) assisting EU law enforcement agencies conducting investigations of criminal activity with suspected involvement by Irish nationals by conducting inquiries in accordance with mutual legal assistance arrangements.

In order to facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence between EU law enforcement agencies the Garda Síochána has posted liaison officers in a number of locations in Europe, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France and Spain, as well as at Interpol and Europol.