Minister McEntee and Minister Long meet with Garda Commissioner and PSNI Chief Constable to discuss operational cross-border cooperation
2 December 2020
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, TD and the Northern Ireland Justice Minister, Naomi Long, MLA today met with the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, and the PSNI Chief Constable, Simon Byrne to discuss ongoing and future cross-border police cooperation. The meeting was held virtually, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
The meeting took place in advance of the annual Cross-Border Conference on Organised Crime which is organised jointly by the two Justice Departments and involves the two police services, Revenue, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs and the National Crime Agency. The conference focuses on co-operation and best practice in countering organised crime that seeks to exploit the border and is to be held as a webinar event on 17 December 2020.
Minister McEntee commented on the high levels of North South policing cooperation that exist,
“What is evident from this meeting, is the excellent levels of co-operation that exist between the Gardaí and the PSNI in respect of the full range of policing activities. There is a variety of mechanisms in place to facilitate this such as a joint Cross-Border Policing Strategy and the Joint Agency Task Force.”
“The Task Force is led by senior officers of both police services and other law enforcement agencies, and focuses on tackling organised and cross jurisdictional crime. It is an excellent example of the strong cross border policing cooperation that exists, both operationally and strategically.”
“I am keen to ensure that such existing mechanisms are utilised to the greatest extent possible to maintain the successful levels of engagement and joint operations.”
“I very much look forward to the Annual Cross-Border Organised Crime webinar later this month. It will provide another forum to advance ideas around the future of cross-border policing cooperation and how we can continue the excellent cooperation levels.”
Minister Long said,
“We may be living in uncertain times, but we can be assured that the close cooperation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border will continue. A joint approach to tackling crime maximises our collective efforts, resources and expertise to help deliver an enhanced service to the families, communities and businesses impacted by crime.
“There is no doubt that the strong, mutually supportive relationships that already exist benefit us all in the fight against crime and those seeking to exploit EU-Exit for criminal gain.’’
“I pay tribute to the efforts of all justice and security partners both north and south of the border for their ongoing and continued commitment to work together as we navigate through the challenges ahead.’’
“I welcome the opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to working collaboratively with Minister McEntee and her department, as well as An Garda Síochána and the PSNI to ensure that collectively we explore all opportunities to deliver safer and more secure communities across this island.”