Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Lisbon treaty has sufficient strength to prevent money laundering throughout Europe and between Europe and the wider community with particular reference to the need to tackle organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17069/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the Lisbon Treaty adequately addresses the issues of justice and home affairs with particular reference to the need to prevent illegal financial transfers across Europe and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17070/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions 106 and 107 together.

One of the key objectives of the EU is to offer its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers, in which the free movement of persons is ensured in conjunction with appropriate measures with respect to inter alia the prevention and combating of crime.

The provisions of the Reform Treaty with regard to the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice will serve to strengthen the ability of the EU to fight cross-border crime, including organised crime and money laundering, which are specifically referred to in the Treaty.