AQW 36495/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/09/2014
Answered On Date: 08/10/2014
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice what communication his Department has with the UK Government to ensure that there is appropriate access to information regarding individuals who have settled in Northern Ireland and possess a criminal record in their country of origin.

Answer:

The UK relies on established processes, underpinned by European Union legislation, which address the exchange of criminal record information with EU Member States. The two applicable European Council Framework Decisions are 2009/315/JHA and 2009/316/JHA.

For non-EU countries, the UK relies on bi-lateral arrangements between countries.

This exchange of criminal record information is facilitated through the UK Central Authority (UKCA), situated in ACRO (Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office).

DOJ and PSNI officials are members of the UKCA Governance Board.