Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
463. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the cross border policing policy with respect to a policing matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42957/12]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that there is close and productive co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland across the range of policing activities, including in the investigation of crime.
The two police forces operate a joint Cross-Border Policing Strategy which aims to improve public safety throughout the island of Ireland by disrupting criminal activity in both jurisdictions and enhancing the policing capability of both police services.
The joint strategy covers a range of policing areas, including cross-border investigations and operations; intelligence-sharing and security; communications and information technology; training and emergency planning. The Cross-Border Policing Strategy indicates the scope of this co-operation and the determination of both police forces to use the tools available to ensure that those who seek to exploit the Border for criminal ends will not succeed.
In the event that an individual is arrested in one jurisdiction in respect of an offence allegedly committed in the other jurisdiction, the two police services operate in accordance with the existing and well-established legal arrangements which are in place for police co-operation and mutual legal assistance. Important amongst these are the arrangements with regard to European arrest warrants which are issued and executed in accordance with law in the respective jurisdictions.
