More than half of Ireland’s European Arrest Warrants successful in 2016

Ireland issued 84 such warrants last year and 46 people were returned on foot of them, according to the annual report for 2016 on the operation of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “The European Arrest Warrant is a valuable mechanism that helps ensure that criminals can be apprehended, keeping EU citizens safer as a result.”

The total number of people surrendered to Ireland since the mechanism came into force in 2004 stands at 425.

He added: “As well as helping to bring justice to the victims of crime, these figures send a clear message to criminals that our EU colleagues stand ready to return them if they attempt to flee the country.”

Ireland also received 178 warrants from other member states in 2016, related to charges of murder/grievous bodily harm, rape, sexual abuse of children, drugs offences and human trafficking.

Mr Flanagan said: “During 2016, 82 warrants received by Ireland resulted in the surrender of 76 individuals to other member states. Since the Act commenced in 2004, 1,200 incoming warrants for surrender have been executed. These warrants not only meet our EU obligations but have helped protect Irish citizens from potential danger.”