Representatives of An Garda Síochána, the PSNI, the National Crime Agency, the Revenue Commissioners, HMRC and relevant Irish and UK government departments are taking part in the two-day conference in Co Cavan, which began yesterday.

The conference aims to enhance existing co-operation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border, with particular significance in light of concerns about the impact of a no-deal Brexit.

In particular, the conference seeks to improve the utilisation of communication and information sharing systems, share experiences and develop recommendations, aimed at enhancing cross-border working relationships, to be taken forward by the Joint Agency Task Force.

Speaking at the conference yesterday, Mr Flanagan said: “Information sharing and co-operation are the twin themes of this year’s conference and they are at the very heart of the ongoing partnership, north and south, that continues to yield successful outcomes in terms of crime investigation and prevention. This is vital for communities living along the border in particular.”

Reflecting on the new and additional challenges which arise in the context of Brexit, he said “dissidents and criminals” could not be allowed “to take advantage of Brexit to undermine peace on the island or to engage in other illegal cross-border activities and this forum will be a vital bulwark in that fight”.

Peter May, permanent secretary of the Northern Ireland Department of Justice, added: “While there is a lot of uncertainty around Brexit, what we do know is that criminals will seek to exploit new opportunities that arise under any future scenario.

“It is therefore important – whether the UK leaves the European Union with or without a deal – that ways are found to protect and maintain the close north-south cooperation which all of our citizens require to keep them as safe as possible from the threat of organised crime.

“Collaborative working, so clearly demonstrated at events like the annual cross border security conference, continues to be the cornerstone when it comes to building networks of expertise to combat and thwart crime.”

In the margins of the conference, an agreement was signed by the Garda commissioner and PSNI chief constable in relation to personnel exchanges between the organisations.