Authorities request UK help in 14 murder inquiries last year
Ireland sought the assistance of the UK authorities in the course of 14 murder inquiries last year.
according to figures released by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern today.
Irish authorities looked for help from abroad in 68 separate cases in 2009 - an increase of 45%.
The majority of requests were to the British authorities, followed by the US and Holland.
There were 304 incoming requests from police agencies abroad - an increase of 6%.
The majority of incoming inquiries came from the UK, Spain, Germany and Holland.
Most related to fraud and motoring offences but other more serious requests centred on investigations into rape, murder, sexual assault and drug trafficking.
“These figures show the extent to which Ireland is providing and seeking assistance in relation to the international fight against crime," Minister Ahern said.
"Ireland is committed to assisting the law enforcement and judicial authorities of other states and we will do everything within our power to provide assistance where it is sought.”
