State opts out of crime measures

THE Government has decided to opt out of new EU measures to co-operate in the cross-border fight against organised crime, terrorism and drug trafficking.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil they would decide on a case-by-case basis when to opt-in to justice and security legislation under the new EU treaty to be put to a referendum next year.

But the decision has been heavily criticised by the opposition and members of the European Parliament.