Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on co-operation agreements with police forces from other jurisdictions in an effort to solve crimes committed by people from those jurisdictions; the plans or agreements he has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9545/06]

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.

The Garda Síochána has an excellent level of co-operation with police forces from other jurisdictions through formal agreements and on a one-to-one basis. A network of formal and informal contacts has been developed with EU and non-EU countries. In order to facilitate co-operation between law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activity, the Garda Síochána has a number of liaison officers posted in EU member states. In addition, Ireland is a member of Europol and has access through liaison officers based at the Hague to police forces throughout the European Union. Ireland has direct access to all Interpol National Bureaux, which enhances and facilitates police co-operation even further. Currently 184 countries are members of Europol.

International co-operation is also achieved through investigations conducted by the Garda Síochána within the State at the request of foreign law enforcement agencies and by the Garda Síochána requesting the assistance of other law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations on behalf of the Irish State in other jurisdictions. These requests are governed by the relevant legislation concerning mutual assistance in criminal matters.

A number of co-operation agreements are in place with governments and police forces in other jurisdictions including Hungary, the Russian Federation, Poland, Cyprus and Bulgaria. These cover a range of criminal justice matters, including co-operation in combating drug trafficking, money laundering, organised crime, trafficking in persons, terrorism and other serious crime. Negotiations are ongoing on proposals for agreements with other jurisdictions. In addition, the Garda Síochána has put in place memoranda of understanding between the money laundering investigation unit of the Garda Síochána and financial intelligence units in other jurisdictions. These relate to co-operation in the exchange of financial intelligence relating to money laundering.