Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

General Scheme of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020: Engagement with the Minister for Justice

Photo of Robbie GallagherRobbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Minister and her officials. Other speakers have alluded to the overall situation and the chances, or lack of chances, of striking a deal. I hope, to quote the British Prime Minister, that common sense will prevail, moreso on his part than on the part of others. We remain hopeful that will happen. Those of us who live along the Border certainly hope it happens because this will make for profound changes in everyday life for those of us who live there.

The Minister mentioned the evolving co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI, which has improved with the passing of time and is extremely welcome. It is a vital component of policing along the Border because there is a level of crime committed by those who come into the South and escape via the Border, and vice versa. Co-operation in such situations is vital. In the event of a deal, we are still going to be left with serious problems going forward, whereas a no-deal does not bear thinking about. Is the Minister confident that with regard to the investigation of crime along the Border, there will be a level of co-operation similar to what applies currently?