Department of Justice to examine impact of Brexit on Ireland-UK extraditions
Reading time: 2 minutes
Charlie Flanagan
The Department of Justice and Equality is examining the implications of Brexit for extraditions between Ireland and the UK, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has announced.
Mr Flanagan said the “necessity to maintain a functioning system of extradition” between the two countries was the “key priority” in the context of combating crime and terrorism.
He continued: “I have requested my officials in the Department of Justice and Equality to examine the implications of Brexit for extradition between the two States and to consider the options available to address the various possible outcomes to the Brexit negotiations.”
An Irish extradition expert argued earlier this month that there is no barrier to Ireland and the UK striking a bilateral extradition agreement in the event of a hard Brexit.
The minister made the comments as he launched the latest annual report for the European Arrest Warrant Act, revealing that 47 people were returned to Ireland on the foot of European Arrest Warrants last year.
The total number of surrenders to Ireland since the introduction of the EAW system in 2004 is now 478.
Meanwhile, Ireland surrendered 60 people to other EU member states last year.
A total of 76 warrants were issued by Ireland during 2017 and 357 were received.
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss articles like this one:
SUBSCRIBE
