Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the action taken to monitor the movement of criminal gang members between this country and other EU and non EU locations; the number of such movements intercepted in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43357/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the activities of known or suspected criminals are continuously monitored by An Garda Síochána who liaise, as necessary, with jurisdictions to which such persons may travel to or from. An Garda Síochána also liaise with law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and elsewhere exchanging information and intelligence. This ongoing liaison has led to a number of successful joint operations targeting attempted importations of drugs and firearms and has resulted in a number of significant arrests in the State and in other jurisdictions. In addition information relating to criminal groupings is disseminated on a regular basis to Europol.

Where there is information that a person who is wanted in this jurisdiction for a particular crime is living abroad extradition may be sought or, where appropriate, a European Arrest Warrant applied for. Ireland is a party to a number of International Conventions which provide for assistance in criminal matters between State Parties. An Garda Síochána send and receive requests for assistance via the Central Authority for Mutual Assistance at the Department of Justice and Law Reform. Requests for assistance may also be dealt with on the basis of reciprocity where certain jurisdictions that may not be a party to specific conventions.