Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of co-operation between the Garda Síochána and other police forces through Europol or Interpol in the context of action against criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34802/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that there is effective ongoing co-operation between the Garda Síochána and police forces in other jurisdictions which is facilitated and enhanced through Ireland's participation in the activities of Europol and Interpol.

An Garda Síochána continues to target the activities of criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking at home and abroad in cooperation with other international law enforcement agencies. This is achieved through several means including conducting targeted operations against individuals and organisations operating within this jurisdiction with known linkages to international drug traffickers, including Irish Nationals residing abroad, and exchanging strategic and operation intelligence with foreign law enforcement agencies, including Europol and Interpol.

In order to facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence on criminal matters including drug-trafficking, An Garda Síochána has Liaison Officers posted in a number of locations throughout Europe, as well as officers on secondment to Europol and Interpol.

In June 2004 the President signed into Law the Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Act which legislates for the competent authorities of two or more EU Member States to carry out criminal investigations with a cross-border dimension. This legislation further enhances law enforcement agencies within Member States to carry out criminal investigations with an international perspective.

In September 2007, I signed an Agreement formalising Ireland's participation in the Marine Operations Analysis Centre (Narcotics) in Lisbon. The purpose of the centre is to better enhance international cooperation in the suppression of illicit drug trafficking across the Atlantic towards Europe and the West African Seaboard. The centre will collect and analyse operational information, enhance intelligence through better information exchange, and ascertain the availability of naval assets to facilitate interdictions in accordance with the national laws of the participants involved.