Frances Fitzgerald, Ireland's Minister for Justice and Equality visits INTERPOL
Channel: INTERPOL
Date: 2015-06-25

LYON, France – Enhanced cooperation in combating transnational organized crime was high on the 

agenda during a visit of Ireland’s Minister for Justice and Equality to the INTERPOL General 

Secretariat headquarters today.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald met with the INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock and other senior 

officials to discuss a range of issues including illegal immigration, border security, terrorism and 

combating child exploitation.

The Minister also provided an overview of the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and its multi-

agency, multi-disciplinary partnership approach in investigations into the suspected proceeds of 

criminal conduct.

“Ireland will continue to play a key role in dealing with threats to national and international security 

and in particular the threats from terrorism, child exploitation and organized criminal activity. For 

this reason I am delighted to pay an official visit to the INTERPOL General Secretariat headquarters to 

hear at first hand their experiences in dealing with these issues,” said the Minister.

“In today’s modern world, where borders are almost invisible to modern technology, INTERPOL is a 

critical element in the constant fight against international and transnational criminal activity,” said 

Minister Fitzgerald.

“Through the networks and cooperation established and underpinned by organizations such as 

INTERPOL, Ireland has had significant successes in targeting those engaged in such activities and in 

particular in targeting the assets of those who have engaged in these activities.”

As an Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police force, undergoes a series of changes under its new 

Commissioner, Minister Fitzgerald and Secretary General Stock also discussed the need for ongoing 

reform to meet evolving challenges in combating transnational crime.

“As the world’s largest police organization, we are in the unique position of being able to learn from 

the experiences of our 190 member countries in tackling various crime issues and ensure these best 

practises can be shared,” said Secretary General Stock.

“Ireland remains a strong partner in our united efforts to make the world safer and I look forward to 

our continued cooperation,” concluded the INTERPOL Chief.

During her visit Minister Fitzgerald was also updated on INTERPOL's global tools and services which 

assist law enforcement worldwide on a daily basis, including in police training and capacity building.