Irish and Northern Ireland justice ministers meet in Dublin

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald met Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden in Dublin yesterday to discuss cross-border co-operation.

The pair met to discuss ongoing North-South co-operation across the range of criminal justice matters under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Co-operation on Criminal Justice Matters.

They also received the first report from the Joint Agency Task Force, formed under the Fresh Start Agreement to bring together the expertise of a range of law enforcement agencies tackling gangs that seek to exploit the borders between the jurisdictions.

The Ministers also discussed the result of the UK’s recent EU referendum vote and agreed to keep in close contact to ensure the current positive North-South co-operation on justice and policing can be maintained.

Ms Fitzgerald welcomed the ongoing joint work by the criminal justice agencies and the continued development of co-operation across the range of issues of shared interest.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “The first report of the Joint Agency Task Force, which Minister Sugden and I received today emphasises the need to maintain a priority focus on tackling cross-border organised crime, including that linked to paramilitarism, given its insidious and corrosive impact on society.

“The law enforcement and justice agencies North and South deserve credit for their work in focusing on criminal activities that can have a serious impact on lives and in communities and we are committed to continue building that co-operation into the future.”

Ms Sugden said: “I welcome the opportunity to engage early with the Tánaiste on a range of cross border issues and have confirmed my commitment to maintain and strengthen relations between our jurisdictions, particularly in light of the outcome of the EU referendum. In that context, it is clear that there will be specific issues for justice to be worked through. It will be a priority for me to ensure that the excellent levels of co-operation continue.

“I also welcome the first report of the Joint Agency Task Force and in particular the success of the joint operations already carried out. I commend law enforcement agencies, north and south, for their ongoing commitment to tackling organised crime and paramilitarism.”