Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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24. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the progress in establishing a new criminal justice international co-operation office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36374/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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On 03 June 2025, I secured Cabinet approval for priority drafting of the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation Office) Bill 2025, which will establish the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office and set out its powers in line with the EU e-Evidence Regulation and Directive. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to prioritise the implementation of the e-evidence package, including the establishment of a new agency.

The establishment of the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office will provide a cohesive approach to digital regulation in the criminal justice space by centralising the necessary skills and expertise, and ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework based around a single regulator. Additionally, it will enhance Ireland’s ability to ensure effective access to digital evidence in tackling serious crime.

The establishment of this new Office will have significant benefits for the service providers based in Ireland in terms of their ability to comply with the requirements of the EU e-Evidence Package and other international cooperation instruments.