The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr John O’Donoghue, today published new legislation for the extradition of terrorist and other suspects from Ireland to EU countries.
The Extradition (European Union Conventions) Bill, 2001 has been drawn up to ratify two European Union conventions on extradition.
The first (1995) deals will simplifying extradition procedures between EU States. The second (1996) aims to improve judicial co-operation between members by extending the range of extraditable offences and improving/simplifying the extradition process.
Mr O’Donoghue said "This Bill forms part of a package of measures to ensure a coherent and effective international response to the threat of terrorism in the changed world after the shocking and ruthless attacks on the United States on 11th September."
He said it would provide a valuable additional weapon to the Government's extensive armoury in fighting crime.