Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on Ireland's participation in the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics; and the amount of funding allocated by the State to this body. [40144/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre, Narcotics (MAOC(N)) was established pursuant to an international agreement concluded on 30 September 2007 between Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and the United Kingdom. The purpose of the Centre, which is based in Lisbon, is to facilitate cooperation in the suppression of illicit drug trafficking across the Atlantic towards Europe and the West African seaboard, with the possibility of extending its operations, inter alia, into the Western Mediterranean basin.

The Centre's work is primarily focused on intelligence exchange and cooperation between the Parties leading to the interdiction of large maritime and aviation drug shipments. Ireland continues to actively support the work of MAOC(N) through Ireland's representation at the Centre by liaison officers from An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Service). In addition, the Executive Board of the Centre, of which Ireland currently holds the chair, is comprised of a representative from each of the Parties.

I am further informed that regular high level meetings of senior management from the enforcement agencies are held at MAOC(N) and that the ongoing close cooperation of all agencies involved has led to a very effective and efficient strategy in combating drug trafficking on a global scale. An Garda Síochána, in collaboration with the Revenue Customs Service, continues to foster a close working relationship with the enforcement agencies involved.

The Centre is co-funded through the European Union ISEC funding Programme 'Prevention of and Fight against Crime'. The Parties provide a financial contribution as partner organisations in the EU funding project and any additional costs are borne equally by the Parties. Since the establishment of MAOC(N), Ireland has made a financial contribution totalling €64,080.64 to the project. This funding includes the projected costs up to September 2012.