Irish and NI justice ministers meet to discuss criminal justice co-operation

Ireland’s Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald discussed co-operation in criminal justice with Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister David Ford at a meeting in Dublin yesterday.

The two ministers met to discuss ongoing co-operation under theIntergovernmental Agreement on Co-operation on Criminal Justice Matters, shortly before participating in a wider meeting to establish a cross-border crime taskforce.

After their meeting, Ms Fitzgerald said: “The continued improvement of North-South co-operation in policing and criminal justice remains a priority. There is a high degree of productive co-operation at all levels between our criminal justice systems.

“We face the same challenges in both parts of the island in combating crime, managing offenders and supporting victims, and it makes sense for us to co-operate in coming up with solutions to deal with them.

“I look forward to this positive working relationship continuing as we seek to make the island of Ireland safer for all communities.”

Mr Ford added: “I am delighted that co-operation by policing and criminal justice agencies across the Irish border remains good at all levels.

“I will continue to support and develop opportunities for further co-operation to ensure the best use of expertise and resources in both jurisdictions. This is the best way to ensure the maximum protection and safety for everyone north and south.”