The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter T.D., today
released details of Ireland's role in international cooperation in criminal
investigations. The Minister said that, in 2010, his Department (which acts
as the Irish Central Authority for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters)
received 361 requests for legal assistance in criminal
investigations/proceedings (an increase of 18% compared to 2009) and sought
assistance in 83 cases (an increase of 22%).
Ireland provided assistance in relation to investigations and proceedings
concerning a wide range of serious offences including murder, rape, sexual
assault, drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud. The countries which
topped the list seeking assistance from Ireland were the United Kingdom,
the Netherlands and Germany.
Assistance provided included the taking of evidence, carrying out searches,
freezing of assets and the interviewing of witnesses.
The Minister said: “These figures show, in practical terms, the extent of
international cooperation in relation to the investigation of crime
involving Ireland. We continue to avail of and make full use of
international cooperation measures to bring criminal investigations in this
jurisdiction to a conclusion. For our part, my Department is fully
committed to assisting the law enforcement and judicial authorities of
other states and we will continue to do everything within our power to
provide assistance where it is sought.”
Ireland sought assistance in relation to serious offences such as murder,
rape, sexual assault, drug trafficking and fraud. The United Kingdom
received most Irish requests, followed by the United States and the
Netherlands.