The Government today signed two agreements with the government of Bulgaria that are intended to enhance co-operation in tackling serious crimes and immigration.
Under the first agreement, authorities will increase the exchange of resources and information to combat drug smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and other serious organised crime.
There will also be training and exchange programmes between the Garda and the Bulgarian police force.
Ireland has similar agreements with Hungary, Poland and the Russian Federation.
The second measure concerns the readmission procedure into Bulgaria for failed asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants. It covers both Bulgarian citizens and non-nationals who use the country as a stepping stone into Ireland.
Nigeria, Romania and Poland have approved readmission agreements with Ireland.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr John O’Donoghue, signed the papers this afternoon at Farmleigh House with Bulgarian Minister for the Interior Mr Georgi Petrov Petankov.