Legislation giving effect to a deal allowing US authorities the power to join criminal investigations in Ireland was published today.
The legislation also grants the US and EU member states access to information about Irish bank accounts. Assistance cannot be refused on grounds of customer confidentiality, according to the agreement and extends to the freezing of a suspect's assets and property.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill "will enhance and supplement existing international co-operation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime".
Mr McDowell and the US Ambassador to Ireland, James C Kenny, signed the bilateral deal last July. The publication of the Bill today is the next step in implementing a range of measures on combating international terrorism between the EU and US following the September 11th attacks.
The Bill enables agencies such as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to request phone taps and other types of surveillance on suspects in Irish jurisdiction.
However, the agreement can only take effect after legislation is passed by the Oireachtas and all member states of the EU have signed their bilateral agreement with the United States.
The Bill also provides for the sharing of evidence obtained in one EU member state with other member states conducting criminal investigations.
It is published on the same day US secretary of State Condoleeza Rice visits Europe where she will come under pressure over CIA treatment of terrorism suspects and its use of European airspace to transport them.
It has also been alleged that the CIA is torturing prisoners in secret European interrogation camps.
Human Rights groups have expressed concern about the agreement and Mr McDowell today said their concerns were taken into account in drafting the Bill.