Extradition agreement signed with Hong Kong

The Government today signed the first extradition agreement between Ireland and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong authorities asked for the agreement as part of its strategy to build direct bilateral links with the West.

The semi-autonomous Chinese territory has negotiated similar pacts with several EU states such as the UK, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, France and Italy.

The pact was agreed today between Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan and Hong Kong Justice Secretary Wong Yan Lung.

Mr Lenihan said both states were determined to face the challenge posed by modern transnational crime and to ensure there were no safe havens for fugitives from justice.

“I am pleased that we have been able to negotiate what is a strong and effective agreement which takes account of the fundamental legal and constitutional principles of both jurisdictions aimed at protecting the individual,” the minister said.

“The agreement facilitates co-operation in extradition between Ireland and Hong Kong by setting out an agreed range of offences in respect of which surrender will apply and simplified procedures to be followed in dealing with requests for extradition”.

Ireland’s Extradition Act 1965 was amended to include territories such as Hong Kong, which is a Special Administrative Region of China.

Ireland has already signed a Mutual Assistance Treaty with Hong Kong which will be ratified when the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005 is enacted during the current Dáil session.

Mr Lenihan will seek the approval of the Dáil for the extradition agreement in coming weeks.