Overview: The United States and Ireland collaborated closely in all aspects of bilateral and regional counterterrorism, law enforcement, and information-sharing relationships. An Garda Siochana (Irish Police at both the national and local level) has comprehensive law enforcement, immigration, investigative, and counterterrorism responsibilities, and continued to work closely with American counterparts. In 2011, as in 2010, violent actions committed in neighboring Northern Ireland by members of dissident groups were traced back to support provided by persons living in Ireland. There have been some incidents by dissident Republican groups in Ireland, generally targeting competing Republican factions and often involving other criminal activity. While Ireland handled these legacy issues stemming from "The Troubles," authorities were actively involved in dealing with transnational terrorism issues.

Legislation and Law Enforcement: The Smithwick Tribunal, begun in 2006, continued reviewing the events surrounding the murders of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Robert Buchanan of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The men were killed in a Provisional IRA (PIRA) ambush near the Northern Ireland/Ireland border in March 1989 as they returned from a cross-border security conference with senior Irish Garda officers in Dundalk. The tribunal has focused on whether or not the PIRA received information from a member of the Garda on the officers' planned route. Public hearings for the tribunal began in July and continued through the end of the year.

Countering Terrorist Finance: Ireland is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Bill of 2010 enacted the European Union's (EU) third money-laundering directive into Irish law, giving effect to several FATF recommendations. Ireland implemented all EU Council Regulations on financial sanctions against listed terrorists and related directives. During 2011, a number of EU Council Regulations on financial sanctions against listed terrorists were transposed into Irish law.

Law enforcement authorities monitored non-profits for breaches of criminal law, but Ireland has not fully implemented the Charities Act, which addresses the misuse of funding in non-profit organizations. Ireland is on the regular follow-up FATF list and was not yet eligible to be placed on the biennial review list.

For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, we refer you to the 2011 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm.

Regional and International Cooperation: Ireland is a member of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and NATO's Partnership for Peace. Ireland co-sponsored the United Nations General Assembly Resolution passed in November condemning the Iranian plot against the Saudi Ambassador to the United States. U.S. officials continued to work with host government and neighboring governments on preparations for security efforts for the 2012 Olympics in London.

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