Ireland received 1,065 requests for help in international criminal investigations last year, an increase of 57 per cent compared to 2007.
The investigations concerned a wide range of serious offences including murder; rape and sexual assault; drug trafficking; money laundering and fraud.
The countries topping the list seeking help from Ireland included the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Hungary.
The assistance provided included the taking of evidence, carrying out searches and the nterviewing of suspects and witnesses.
Releasing the figures today, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said they showed Ireland was “playing a full part” in international co-operation in the fight against crime.
“As a nation we take very seriously our international obligations and these figures show we do everything we can to provide assistance where it is sought,” he said.
Ireland sought assistance in relation in 317 cases involving murder; rape and sexual assault; drug trafficking and fraud. The United Kingdom received most Irish requests followed by Poland and the United States.
The figures include the service of judicial documents - for example the service of summonses in relation to road traffic offences.