4.—(1) Where the Competent Authority receives a request specifying the matters mentioned in section 3(2) from one or more competent authorities of other Member States to establish a joint investigation team, the Competent Authority shall consider the request.

(2) The Competent Authority may seek from the competent authority or authorities concerned such other information (if any) as is specified to that authority or those authorities and is reasonably required by the Competent Authority to decide whether or not to agree to establish a joint investigation team.

(3) The Competent Authority may, subject to this Act, agree with the competent authority or authorities concerned to establish a joint investigation team to investigate certain conduct if the Competent Authority is satisfied that—

(a) either—

(i) the conduct which would constitute an offence if it occurred in the State has occurred, or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that such conduct has occurred, partly in the State and partly in another Member State or States, or

(ii) the conduct which would constitute an offence if it occurred in the State has occurred, or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that such conduct has occurred, in another Member State or States and the investigation of it has links with the State,

and

(b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is in the public interest, having regard to the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation into the conduct concerned, to agree to the establishment of a joint investigation team with the other Member State or States concerned because—

(i) part of the investigation is being, or it is anticipated that it will be, conducted in the State, or

(ii) the investigation requires coordinated and concerted action by the Member States (including the State) concerned.

(4) The Competent Authority and the competent authority or authorities concerned may, pursuant to an agreement under subsection (3), establish a joint investigation team.