Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
2129. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the general mechanisms available to the State, as a matter of law and policy, to pursue the return of a person for prosecution where that person is located in a jurisdiction with which the State has no bilateral extradition agreement, including the use of Interpol Red Notices and mutual legal assistance arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59650/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin the European Union, the surrender of persons for the purpose of criminal prosecution or to serve a criminal sentence is governed by the European Arrest Warrant system which, in Ireland, is implemented in accordance with the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003, as amended. The European Arrest Warrant system provides a streamlined process of judicial cooperation based on the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions and mutual trust and respect between Member States.
With countries outside the European Union, Norway, Iceland, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, extradition to/from Ireland is conducted in accordance with the Extradition Act 1965, as amended. Extradition in this regard may be carried out, where appropriate, in accordance with an applicable bilateral or multilateral treaty or other legal basis for extradition such as a reciprocal agreement.
International cooperation may also take place through a range of other mechanisms, depending on the legal framework applicable in the requested jurisdiction. These may include police-to-police cooperation, cooperation through INTERPOL channels, and requests for mutual legal assistance. The exact particulars of each case are considered to determine the legal avenue to engage.
Ireland currently has bilateral treaties with a small number of states including the United States of America, Australia, Hong Kong (suspended) and the United Arab Emirates. Ireland’s framework for international judicial cooperation is kept under constant review by my Department.
