Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
387 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the levels of co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI; if prisoners from one jurisdiction are able to visit family in the other jurisdiction through the co-operation of both the Garda and the PSNI; the procedures in place for cross-jurisdictional movement of prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12363/12]
View answerI am happy to inform the House that the level of co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI has never been higher. The two forces co-operate seamlessly, across the range of policing activities.
Operational policing co-operation is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and the PSNI Chief Constable and their respective forces. Both police chiefs have emphasised the close nature and the high quality of the ongoing co-operation between their forces and it has been instrumental in preventing attacks, combating criminality and saving lives. The two police forces operate a Cross-Border Policing Strategy, which includes cross-Border investigations and operations, intelligence-sharing and security, information and communications technology and emergency planning.
Of course, combating the subversive threat remains an absolute priority for the Garda authorities and their PSNI counterparts. I can assure the Deputy, and the House, that the Government is committed to maintaining the highest level of co-operation between the Gardaí and the PSNI. Periods of temporary release may be granted to sentenced persons for humanitarian reasons, for example, for urgent family reasons. Such applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Where necessary, the relevant authorities North and South consult with one another as to the arrangements to be made in such circumstances.
