KENNY WELCOMES SIGNING OF AGREEMENT ON SERIOUS CRIME PREVENTION BETWEEN IRELAND & ROMANIA

Posted on January 17, 2013 4:00 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Seán Kenny, the Dublin Bay North Labour Party TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, has welcomed the signing of a Bilateral Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Romania on cooperation in combatting serious crime.

"I warmly welcome this Agreement, as it will serve to strengthen ties between EU countries in the fight against organised crime such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism among others. The Agreement also provides for cooperation by both countries in training initiatives to share expertise in the areas of prevention, detection and investigation of criminal activities, and provides for the possible secondment or exchange of law enforcement personnel."

"Experience has shown that there are growing links between criminal groups operating across the European Union and beyond. Those intent on committing serious organised crime of a cross border nature are ready to exploit any available opportunity to line their own pockets at the expense of the law abiding citizen."

"Agreements like the one signed today, that focus on building on the existing cooperation measures at EU level further enhance our capacity to respond to the threat posed by organised crime. Further provision is made in the Agreement for the exchange of information on measures to control the legal trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors."

"There is a great deal to be gained in providing for the appropriate exchange of information, expertise and knowledge between the respective agencies of Ireland and Romania. The Agreement also provides for co-operation by both parties in training initiatives to share expertise in the areas of prevention, detection and investigation of criminal activities. This also extends to the possible secondment or exchange of law enforcement personnel."