Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The impact of cross-Border crime on rural communities has been issue in my constituency of Donegal North-East, which is a Border constituency, from time to time. The IFA has taken up some very good initiatives in the county. I refer to the marking of farm machinery, etc. What level of co-operation exists between the IFA and the Ulster Farmers Union? Is a joint approach being taken? We have recently heard language suggesting that a joint task force of the PSNI and An Garda Síochána is tackling criminality in Border areas. The issues that need to be addressed include not only diesel laundering and cigarette smuggling but also cattle rustling and the theft of farm machinery. This type of crime is having an impact on the farming community. I want to get a sense of the level of all-Ireland co-operation to address crime.