Summary
This Report, 'Cross-border Co-operation Between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland' (HC 78), finds that relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are closer than has ever been the case.
Co-operative arrangements in place in the spheres of policing and law enforcement have never run more smoothly, or been more effective, in countering crime and bringing its perpetrators to justice.
The border provides considerable opportunities for the highly experienced and inventive organised criminal gangs, frequently arisen from paramilitary groupings, that have blighted Northern Ireland's life for several decades.
Criminals exploit the room opened for them by the border, such as the jurisdictional issues that arise out of having two systems of law and law enforcement operating in an area so 'criss-crossed' with roads, streams and other crossing points.
The inquiry has found many good examples of work done by the law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border. The value of institutional contacts between organisations such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Siochana is inestimable.
Chapters in the Report cover:
- Policing and co-operation
- Criminal justice and co-operation
- Areas for closer co-operation (including scope for legislative change and sex offenders and public safety).
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