Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take notwithstanding the recent and ongoing successes by the Gardaí in respect of drug seizures, to combat the obvious and progressive increase in violent and organised crime; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the activities of organised criminals appears to be influencing crime trends particularly in respect of young offenders; if he has examined the degree to which the activities of high profile criminals domiciled in exotic offshore locations from which they appear to be able to run their illicit businesses with impunity clearly illustrating to all that such activity appears to be possible without retribution; the action he has taken to intercede with the authorities in such other jurisdictions with view to a serious crackdown on criminal activity and obvious tangible actions such as improved extradition procedures, special courts or other measures in line with national or EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9034/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that organised criminal gangs operating in this jurisdiction are being targeted on an ongoing basis and profiles regarding the personnel of such groups are continually updated. Their members, operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are likewise proactively targeted through the use of intelligence-led operations primarily undertaken by specialised units of An Garda Síochána such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drug Unit, the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau. In addition, information relating to these groupings is disseminated on a regular basis to Europol at The Hague.

An Garda Síochána maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies throughout Europe, and elsewhere, exchanging information and intelligence on Irish criminals living abroad. This ongoing liaison has led to a number of successful joint operations, targeting the attempted importation of drugs and firearms and has resulted in a number of significant arrests here and in other jurisdictions. Where intelligence, supported by evidence, is available law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions put operations in place, as appropriate, to prevent and detect such criminality.

Where information exists that a person, who is wanted in relation to a particular crime in this jurisdiction, is living abroad and where the particular legal requirements apply extradition is sought or an application is made for a European Arrest Warrant.

Where there is justification and a legal basis, those suspected of involvement in criminal activity are arrested, detained and questioned in relation to specific crimes. A member of An Garda Síochána must, at all times, have reasonable grounds to believe that an individual has been involved in criminal activity before they can arrest and question any person in relation to criminality.

An Garda Síochána will continue to be proactive in the use and further development of links with other foreign law enforcement agencies to ensure that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is applied to the problem of Irish criminals resident abroad. In this respect, there already exist a number of bilateral agreements with foreign jurisdictions concerning serious and organised crime which facilitate greater cooperation and permit the exchange of staff and the transfer of expertise between the parties to these agreements.

The ongoing activities and successes of the Criminal Assets Bureau, in cooperation with similar agencies in other jurisdictions, also ensures that this type of criminality is being tackled, regardless of the location of the criminal concerned.