Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which Irish criminal gangs operate from exotic overseas locations; the reason they are not extradited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7091/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that, particularly as a result of the proactive role of the Criminal Assets Bureau and other specialist units in targeting the proceeds of crime in this jurisdiction, a number of Irish criminals have re-located to the continent.

Some of these individuals continue to engage in criminal activity and this may impact on criminality in this jurisdiction. There is some evidence to support the fact that criminal groupings in this State have links to similar groups in other jurisdictions. However, it is not possible to quantify the extent to which Irish nationals based abroad are involved in criminal activity.

Where evidence exists to support a prosecution in this State against any particular individual residing outside the jurisdiction, an extradition application is pursued with the competent authority where extradition agreements are in place.

The Criminal Assets Bureau will continue its statutory remit to deprive criminals of their assets pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2005 and relevant Revenue and Social Welfare legislation irrespective of where the people in question may be located.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons on criminal charges who have absconded while on bail in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7092/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The information requested by the Deputy is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases in which persons charged with gun crimes have received bail and subsequently re-offended while on bail in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7094/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The information requested by the Deputy is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.