Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am happy to inform the Deputy that I had a very productive meeting with Europol Executive Director, Ms Catherine De Bolle, in the course of her visit to Dublin in February of this year.

At that meeting I expressed Ireland’s appreciation for the invaluable role Europol plays in supporting Member States’ law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat serious crime across borders. Ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána and other law enforcement agencies, via Europol, has led to a number of successful joint operations in recent years.

In addition, we also discussed data protection and law enforcement, the use of innovative technology and how it can support the authorities in the fight against terrorism and serious and organised crime.

As the Deputy may be aware Ireland's Liaison Bureau at Europol HQ in The Hague is staffed by two Garda Liaison. These are also supported by the Europol National Unit based at Garda HQ. Ireland is also represented on the Europol Management Board by an Assistant Commissioner.