Cross-border co-operation between the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
Auteur: Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Nombre de pages: 136 pages
ISBN: 0215532279, 9780215532275
Edition: The Stationery Office
Date de publication: The Stationery Office
Description: This report finds that relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are closer than has ever been the case and that 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 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).