Their three-day itinerary included a number of mutually beneficial meetings. The Czech senators were primarily interested in learning about the functioning of the justice system in Ireland, and its relationship to the legislative and executive authorities, including local law enforcement agencies. There was also an exchange of information regarding the legislative processes and the activities of prosecutors’ offices in both countries.

The primary purpose of the trip was to liaise with counterpart committees in the Houses of Oireachtas, namely the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, and the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges. A meeting and subsequent working lunch at Oireachtas buildings was led by Committee Chairperson David Stanton. Also in attendance at these discussions were Senators Ivana Bacik, Denis O’Donovan and Martin Conway, alongside TD’s Alan Farrell, Finian McGrath, Sean Kenny and Gabrielle McFadden.

Furthermore, the Czech delegation met for talks with Director of Public Prosecutions Office, Deputy of Attorney General, Ombudsman, officials from the Courts Service, experts on judiciary, international judicial cooperation and prison service at the Department of Justice and Equality, experts on data protection at the Department of Taoiseach and finally representatives of Criminal Assets Bureau and Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.

 

Meeting in the Houses of Oireachtas (photo opportunity at the bust of Václav Havel)