Oireachtas committee calls for PSNI and gardaí to have border-crossing powers

The joint committee on jobs, enterprise and innovation proposed the measure as a means to counter-act black market activity, as part of a wider package of proposals aimed at economic growth.

The report states that there “exists an EU precedent which facilitates the pursuit of criminals over international borders”.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD, chair of the committee, said: “This report focuses on addressing the economic challenges that are seen on both sides of the border. It looks at how we can overcome these challenges and provides a practical list of recommendations around how best we can move towards an all-island economy.

“Maximising island-wide trade and job creation, both in the border region and beyond, must be a key priority for us all and I believe that this comprehensive report can go some way to growing our potential and realising real economic and social results.”

Peadar Toibín, report rapporteur, said the recommendations were “progressive, essential and achievable.”

He added: “Regardless of differing backgrounds, where co-operation and collaboration are mutually beneficial economically, we should find a way to proceed.”