Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 742: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the US expressing serious concern regarding the potential negative impact that the draft framework decision on data protection would have on its bilateral relations with member states during the course of the EU-US informal high level meeting on freedom, security and justice on 2 and 3 March 2006 in Vienna; and if he will make a statement outlining the Government's position on the draft framework decision, including the way in which it would impact on bilateral agreements or arrangements between Ireland and the US should it be adopted in its present form. [15327/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The draft framework decision on the protection of personal data processed in the context of police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters determines common standards to ensure the protection of individuals' personal data. The proposal applies to the sharing of information between member states' law enforcement agencies for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection, and prosecution of criminal offences. Ireland broadly supports the thrust of the framework decision. However, in the context of combating organised and other crime, in particular terrorism, trafficking in persons, offences against children, illicit drug trafficking, illicit arms trafficking, corruption and fraud, we are anxious to ensure that a proper balance is struck between ensuring the effective transfer of data between the various law enforcement authorities and protecting individual privacy rights.

As regards the EU-US informal high level meeting on freedom, security and justice on 2 and 3 March 2006 in Vienna, in the course of discussions the EU Presidency indicated that agreements already concluded would not be affected by the framework decision. Negotiations on the framework decision are at a very early stage in the Council working group, the multidisciplinary group on organised crime, mixed committee, and the framework decision is unlikely to be adopted for some time.