Criminal records information exchange
Ray Butler asks when legislation enabling criminal-record information exchanges with other states will be published, citing cross-border criminal gangs. The Taoiseach says the Bill is due early the following year.
When will we see publication of the Bill to provide for the exchange of criminal records information with other EU member states and other designated states? There was a very violent robbery in Trim last week where criminal gangs robbed jewellery shops. In the past two to three years 30 to 40 jewellery shops throughout the country have been robbed. These people leave the country within 24 hours. Great Britain is introducing new border control laws and passport rules and we need to look at this. It is a serious problem. The gentleman in my constituency who was robbed is now closing his business after last week's robbery. What went on was scandalous. We have to look at border controls and passport rules. There is no point in flashing a passport and letting people in just because they are from the EU. We have to look at it. It is a serious problem.
