Ahern Reveals Ireland's Role In International Fight Against Crime

The Minister said that, in 2008, Ireland received 1,065 requests for legal assistance in criminal investigations/proceedings - an increase of 57% compared to 2007 - and sought assistance in 317 cases.

Ireland provided assistance in relation to investigations and proceedings concerning a wide range of serious offences including murder, rape/sexual assault, drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud.

The countries which topped the list seeking assistance from Ireland included the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Hungary.

Assistance provided included the taking of evidence, carrying out searches and the interviewing of suspects and witnesses.

The Minister said: "These figures show that Ireland is playing a full part in international co-operation in the fight against crime.

"As a nation we take very seriously our international obligations and these figures show we do everything we can to provide assistance where it is sought." 

Ireland sought assistance in relation to serious offences such as murder, rape/sexual assault, drug trafficking and fraud. The United Kingdom received most Irish requests followed by Poland and the United States.

The figures include the service of judicial documents -for example the service of summonses in relation to road traffic offences.