Dublin MEP Barry Andrews has welcomed the news that the government is to agree an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates.
The news, confirmed by the Department of Justice, follows intensive engagements between the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, and her counterpart the Emirati Minister for Justice, His Excellency Abdullah Bin Sultan Bin Awad Al Nuaimi.
The Fianna Fáil MEP said “this is good news for Dublin and for Ireland. I have been calling for this treaty to be established for over a year. It has become blatantly obvious that those who are most responsible for much of the crime and violence that we see on our streets in Dublin are using Dubai as a hideout.”
“Thankfully, with the treaty now set to be agreed, the net surrounding these criminals will begin to tighten. I know from speaking to constituents that crime and public safety has become one of the main issues for people.
“During the European election campaign earlier this year, I held two public meetings with Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Jim O’Callaghan TD, and we heard first-hand how people are fearful of going into the city centre after dark. Today’s news is a step in the right direction to help address these legitimate concerns” concluded Andrews.
The extradition treaty is expected to be signed by the Minister for Justice in Abu Dhabi next week.
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, will sign bilateral treaties with the United Arab Emirates on extradition and mutual legal assistance, following Government approval at an incorporeal Cabinet meeting which took place this morning (Friday). Dáil approval will then be sought before the domestic procedures necessary to allow the treaties to enter into force are completed.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said, “this government is taking all necessary steps to dismantle organised crime.”
“Given the increasingly transnational nature of organised crime, it is imperative that Ireland strategically strengthens judicial co-operation in criminal matters with other countries as part of our efforts to combat this serious global threat.”
“Last year I informed government I was opening negotiations with the UAE on bilateral treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance. As has been the case for many of our EU counterparts, the agreement of these bilateral treaties will be of significant support in tackling organised crime and transnational drug trafficking gangs.”
“The signing of these treaties is the culmination of extensive engagements I have had with my counterpart, the Emirati Minister of Justice, His Excellency Abdullah Bin Sultan Bin Awad Al Nuaimi, about ongoing co-operation and deepening the relationship between Ireland and the UAE in criminal justice matters.”
“This process is about putting those at the top of organised crime behind bars and holding them responsible for their actions. Any person involved in organised crime should know there is no hiding place; you will face justice. Many organised crime gangs think they can evade justice by crossing borders; they cannot. There can be no hiding place anywhere in the world for criminals.”