Head of Europol offers expertise to help fight crime and terrorism in Ireland

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has had discussions with the executive director of Europol, Catherine De Bolle.

The head of the EU’s police agency has offered its expertise to Ireland in fighting serious crime and terrorism content online.

Catherine De Bolle, executive director of Europol, said there was a “shared concern” across the EU at the threats posed online by harmful content, disinformation, and hate speech.

She noted that Ireland had an “important role” given that many major social media companies and online service providers have their European HQ in the country.

In a statement following a meeting with Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Europol said Ms de Bolle was “deeply impressed” by An Garda Síochnáa’s commitment to human rights and the “notable level of public trust” in the organisation.

The two women discussed Europol’s operational support to EU member states in fighting terrorism and serious and organised crime, and how modern technology can support the work of law enforcement.

“Europol has a strong collaboration with An Garda Síochána, encompassing all aspects of Europol’s mandate, with a particular focus on combating serious organised crime,” said the statement.

“[The director] was deeply impressed by An Garda Síochána’s unwavering commitment to human rights, consistently integrated into its daily operations at every organisational level.

“She also observed the notable level of public trust in An Garda Síochána, exemplifying the success of their community policing initiatives.”

The statement added: “In light of the challenges posed by social media in the proliferation of harmful content, misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, Europol’s executive director acknowledged An Garda Síochána’s proactive engagement in addressing this issue.

'Shared concerns'

“Recognising this issue as a shared concern across Europe, which demands a collective response, Europol executive director discussed with Irish authorities the support to be provided by the agency within its expertise in fighting serious crime and terrorism content online.

“This support acknowledges Ireland’s important role as a host to numerous major online service providers having their European bases situated in Dublin.”

In a statement, the Department of Justice said: “The minister expressed Ireland’s appreciation for the central role of Europol in supporting Member States’ law enforcement agencies in preventing and combating serious crime across borders.

"Ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána and other law enforcement agencies, via Europol, has led to a number of successful joint operations in recent years.

“In addition, the minister and executive director De Bolle discussed data protection and law enforcement, the use of innovative technology and how it can support law enforcement and the fight against terrorism, organised crime, and far-right ideologies.”