Risk of EU crime gangs moving operations to Ireland, MEP warns

Mr Kelleher was commenting after the EPPO’s chief prosecutor delivered remarks at a t meeting of the European Parliament’s Justice and Budget committees this morning in Brussels
Risk of EU crime gangs moving operations to Ireland, MEP warns

James Cox

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that the gardaí and other state agencies need to be alert to the possibility of European crime gangs moving their operations to Ireland due to Ireland’s non-hip of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) system.

Mr Kelleher was commenting after the EPPO’s chief prosecutor delivered remarks at a t meeting of the European Parliament’s Justice and Budget committees this morning in Brussels.

“The Chief Prosecutor said that ‘we hear through our wiretapping that criminals are contemplating moving their activities to some non-participating Member States because they are not part of the EPPO.’

"Ireland and Denmark have opt outs from ing the EPPO while Hungary, Poland and Sweden have made the decision not to ."

Mr Kelleher said it is "concerning" that Ireland is not a member of the EPPO. This is because Common Law is used in Ireland's legal system, while other member states use Civil Law.

He added: “While we aren’t of the EPPO, we can and must do more to ensure no European crime gang sees Ireland as a soft touch when it comes to organised crime.

“The Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau need to be alert to this possibility. The Garda Commissioner must be ready to beef up resources and the Minister for Justice needs to direct as much cooperation as possible with the EPPO despite our differing legal systems and frameworks.

“Ireland must not be the weak link in the EU’s fight against organised crime."

more fianna fail articles

Politics watch: Justice Minister under fire over child deportations Politics watch: Justice Minister under fire over child deportations
New Taoiseach appointed Politics watch: Independent votes sign of Coalition tension?
Poll: Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael tied, two point drop for Sinn Féin Poll: Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael tied, two point drop for Sinn Féin

More in this section

Ballymena protest Missiles thrown at police in second night of Ballymena disorder
Ballymena protest Man charged with riotous behaviour after Ballymena disorder
Criminal Assets Bureau conducts raids targeting suspected drug trafficker in Kerry Criminal Assets Bureau conducts raids targeting suspected drug trafficker in Kerry

Sponsored Content

Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event  Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event 
Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival  Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival 
How to get involved in Bike Week 2025 How to get involved in Bike Week 2025
Us Cookie Policy and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more