This year’s theme, “New Challenges and New Solutions across the Criminal Justice System, North and South”, provided an opportunity for agencies working in the field of public protection to enhance collaboration and share learning between criminal justice partners.

Cheryl Lamont, chief executive of Probation Board for Northern Ireland, told the seminar: “Importantly today, we hear about some of the solutions being developed to deal with these challenges. Increased collaboration and the adoption of a problem-solving approach to justice are important ways of dealing with these issues.

“In the coming year we will continue to face challenges and uncertainty including the out-workings of Brexit, however I want to reiterate that cross border co-operation and collaboration is absolutely essential and Probation remains committed to this work to ensure safer communities for all.”

Vivian Geiran, director of the Irish Probation Service, added: “There are significant issues ahead for all of us in ensuring that the post-Brexit landscape does not adversely affect our relationships and the way we do business. I am confident that we will continue to rise to these challenges, and ensure that the progress achieved, so far, can continue to be built on.”