Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied regarding the degree of exchange of information between the authorities here and those in other jurisdictions to maximise the efficiency of the fight against international drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40528/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the discussions he has had with his EU colleagues with a view to greater co-operation and co-ordination in the fight against organised crime including drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40533/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that adequate co-operation and exchange of information exists through Europol or other agencies to combat organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40541/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate co-operation exists between Europol and An Garda Síochána to facilitate the efficient tackling of international drug crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40545/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 151, 156, 164 and 168 together.

It is clear that organised crime is a form of criminal activity that no country can tackle on its own. To meet the challenges involved, I am informed by the Garda authorities that close links have very successfully been built up with other police services within the European Union. This is a process which has been facilitated to a large degree by the adoption of a series of EU measures which have greatly assisted police cooperation.

Ireland has consistently and strongly supported EU measures to tackle organised crime and to improve law enforcement cooperation. In that context, Ireland participates very constructively in the negotiation of initiatives and legislative instruments at EU level to strengthen criminal judicial cooperation and the exchange of information and intelligence between law enforcement agencies. For example, a major current development focuses on stepping up cross border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross border crime. This will permit, inter alia, the sharing of DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration information.

Ireland is a party to various International Conventions which provide for assistance in criminal matters between jurisdictions. I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána sends and receives requests for assistance via the Central Authority for Mutual Assistance at my Department. Requests for Assistance may also be dealt with on the basis of reciprocity where certain jurisdictions may not be a party to specific conventions. 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 a European Arrest Warrant is applied for.

An Garda Síochána actively contributes to Europol activity in relation to Organised Crime, including analysis, intelligence exchange and threat assessments. An Garda Síochána operates in close co-operation with both national and international law enforcement agencies in targeting those suspected of being involved in drug-trafficking and the sale and distribution of illicit drugs. Both An Garda Síochána and Customs have liaison officers based at Europol HQ in The Hague. Both agencies also have liaison officers at the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N) in Lisbon which is tasked with countering illicit drug trafficking at sea.

In relation to my cooperation with other EU Ministers, I wish to inform the Deputy that I take all possible opportunities to discuss cooperation and coordination in the fight against organised crime with my EU colleagues, either at bilateral meetings or at Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings.

Organised Crime and drug trafficking are topics that are regularly discussed, both generally and with reference to specific issues at the Justice and Home Affairs Council. For instance, Ministers had a detailed discussion on drug trafficking via West Africa at the last Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in October 2008. In the course of that debate I stressed the vital importance of close cooperation between the EU Member States in targeting and combating all forms of transnational crime, particularly, drug trafficking. Ireland will continue to participate fully in this regard. It is expected that the EU Presidency will bring forward proposals based on that debate. Further details of Council agendas can be found on the Website of the council of the European Union (www.consilium.europa.eu).

I would also add that at a national level, cooperation is also working well. An Garda Síochána works with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding and the Working Protocol and with both Customs and Naval Services under the Joint Task Force. An Garda Síochána, in co-operation with its multi-agency law enforcement partners, including the Revenue Commissioners, will ensure that all available resources will be deployed in targeting the major gangs involved in drug trafficking in accordance with the National Drugs Strategy.

Multi-agency approaches have been and continue to be used where all of the National Units from National Support Services i.e. National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (Money Laundering) and the Garda Technical Bureau, are used to combat organised crime. These Units are also supported by the Security and Intelligence Section who assist with intelligence briefings and timely information.

The Criminal Assets Bureau is being actively utilised to identify and target funds accumulated by criminals, in order to seize such assets and to deprive them of the profits of their criminal activity. A dedicated unit within the Garda National Drugs Unit has been established to liaise with the Criminal Assets Bureau to particularly target those criminals and criminal groupings believed to be deriving profits and assets from drug-related criminal activity.

This integrated approach adopts best practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and using available criminal legislation to its fullest extent. Operations are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure their effectiveness.