Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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395. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Interpol or Europol continue to be utilised in the context of combatting serious organised crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36633/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána. This priority is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015.

In tackling organised crime activity An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods.

Of course, organised crime, by its nature, is constantly evolving and diversifying in both its structures and activities so as to exploit opportunities for criminal gain. In addition, many modern organised criminal groupings are transnational in nature and poly criminal in their activities.

In this regard, 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. Such international liaison has led to many parallel investigations with international law enforcement agencies.

I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that at this time An Garda Síochána are currently conducting a number of ongoing operations in cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and are being actively assisted in this regard by Europol and Interpol.

In addition, An Garda Síochána are participating in the related international seminars that assist in identifying emerging crime trends as well as in training provided through CEPOL, Interpol, and Europol.

While the details of the extent of cooperation at international level would be too numerous to set out, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Annual Reports of An Garda Síochána and the websites of both Interpol and Europol, which provide an insight into the work that is undertaken in this regard.