Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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393. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Irish criminal gangs have put themselves outside the jurisdiction to evade detection or punishment; the number of such persons resident outside the State; the extent to which adequate legislation remains available to combat their ongoing activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36631/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate the importance of the international frameworks providing for cooperation amongst states in tackling crime.

Ireland is a party to a wide range of international instruments at United Nations, Council of Europe and European Union which provide for mutual legal assistance and extradition. In addition we are a party to a smaller number of bilateral agreements.

While it is not possible to provide the particular information sought I can assure the Deputy that these mechanisms are being utilised and that persons are regularly surrendered to Ireland to stand trial for crimes they are alleged to have committed here.

Furthermore, An Garda Síochána maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies internationally and the work of Garda liaison officers who are permanently based in other jurisdictions and in international bodies such as Interpol and Europol, greatly facilitate the prompt exchange of information and intelligence on criminal activity.

I can further inform the Deputy that the operation of criminal legislation in this area is kept under ongoing review. In this regard, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 and the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Amendment Bill 2014, which is currently before the Oireachtas, provide for wide and more efficient measures in fighting transnational crime. Among the measures provided for in this legislation are:

- Procedures for transmission and receipt of mutual legal assistance requests or service of documents.

- Confiscation and return of stolen items.

- Temporary transfer of prisoners to provide information in investigation of a crime. (In Ireland’s case the consent of the prisoner will be required.)

- Hearing of evidence by videoconference or telephone conference.

- Controlled deliveries.

- Operation of Joint Investigation Teams where the circumstances of criminal activity merit this.

- Interception of telecommunications.

- Monitoring of bank accounts.

This legislation is an essential part of dealing with international crime and the powers provided are of use both in detecting and prosecuting criminals.