Written answers

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Extradition of Criminals

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Irish crime bosses currently living overseas and conducting their operations from there; the efforts being made to extradite and bring to justice such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14460/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that 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 attempted importations of drugs and firearms, resulting 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 crime. 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.

There are currently 62 active requests for surrender in accordance with the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 as amended. Since the coming into operation of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 as amended 67 persons have been surrendered on foot of outgoing European Arrest Warrants. There are 4 ongoing outgoing requests under Part II of the Extradition Act 1965 as amended and 8 outstanding extradition requests to the United Kingdom under Part III of the Extradition Act 1965 as amended. Part III of the Extradition Act as amended has been repealed and there are no Part III requests to the United Kingdom since 2003.

Ireland is a party to various International Conventions which provide for assistance in criminal matters between jurisdictions. An Garda Síochána send and receive requests for assistance via the Central Authority for Mutual Assistance at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Requests for Assistance may also be dealt with on the basis of reciprocity where certain jurisdictions may not be a party to specific conventions.

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