Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he attended the EU Justice Council on 12 and 13 June 2007; the stance he took on the Council Resolution to permit cross-border deployment of undercover officers in the fight against serious cross-border crime; the reason for the Government's position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23790/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council referred to took place before my appointment as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Resolution to which the Deputy has referred was concerned with the possible adoption of an EU instrument in connection with the cross-border deployment of undercover agents.

In the course of EU discussions which preceded the June Council, Ireland indicated that it regarded undercover policing as a sensitive issue and that it was likely to have difficulties with any proposal which might emerge for a binding legal instrument in this area. Taking account of the views of all Member States, the Council agreed in the Resolution that it would have work carried out to examine whether such an instrument might be necessary.

I understand that the relevant work has yet to commence and any decision to adopt an instrument would require unanimity within the Council.