Helen McEntee

Ministers today gave government approval for justice minister Helen McEntee to sign the treaties. Dáil approval will then be sought before the domestic procedures necessary to allow the treaties to enter into force are completed.

The government says the two agreements will further improve the effectiveness of co-operation between Ireland and the UAE in fighting crime and facilitating extradition.

However, human rights lawyer Radha Stirling, who heads up campaign group Detained in Dubai, warned last year that “any such treaty carries the implication of validating the UAE’s criminal justice system”.

Mrs 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.”

She added: “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.”

She concluded: “I acknowledge the crucial role played by Judge Al-Blooshi in the negotiations and thank him for his dedication and commitment in ensuring negotiations progressed quickly and smoothly.

“I also acknowledge the leading role played by former Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll in creating and maintaining networks with other police services around the world to tackle transnational organised crime gangs.

“These networks are now well-established and of vital importance, which is a very fitting legacy to John after his recent untimely passing.”