Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I welcome this important document because it represents a positive contribution to the agenda of North-South co-operation. The Government is focused on developing North-South co-operation across a full spectrum of areas. In terms of the specific areas referred to by the Deputy, a wide range of co-operation is already in place. An intergovernmental agreement on police co-operation was signed by the Irish and British Governments in 2002. This provides the framework for the implementation of the Patten recommendations which relate to the ongoing enhancement of North-South police co-operation. Closer communication and co-operation between our police services will directly assist in crime prevention and detection and can only improve the effectiveness of cross-Border policing and the fight against terrorism, drugs, smuggling and other organised crime to the benefit of all the people of this island.

Protocols for a programme of personnel exchanges and secondments between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been agreed. Secondments and exchanges will provide a two way flow of experience and expertise which will enhance policing standards in both organisations. Personnel exchanges have now commenced between the two forces and I intend to expand the programme. Work is progressing on other aspects of the intergovernmental agreement, such as joint emergency planning, joint investigations, training and annual conferences.

The House will be aware of the considerable amount of co-operation that takes place between the bureau and the Assets Recovery Agency in Belfast and London. Investigations are carried out in conjunction with UK Customs, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Assets Recovery Agency and the Revenue Commissioners. Operations have led to prosecutions and resulted in the forfeiture of assets and the breaking up of a number of organised crime gangs involved in illegal cross-Border activity. Only today, a joint CAB-ARA operation was conducted along the border into the activities of a well-known member of the Provisional IRA.

With regard to sex offences, the Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains provisions on persons travelling to and from this jurisdiction. Close liaison is maintained between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in respect of persons subject to the Act and information on the movements of such persons is exchanged for policing purposes. A memorandum of understanding on information sharing arrangements between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, with regard to sex offenders has been negotiated by my Department and the Home Office and I expect Government approval for this shortly.

Additional information not given on floor of House.

The intergovernmental agreement on North-South co-operation on criminal justice matters was signed on behalf of the Irish and British Governments in July 2005. Under the agreement, a registered sex offenders advisory group has been established consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, my Department and the Northern Ireland Office. This group will evaluate the potential for sharing information, including potential benefits and barriers, and will identify areas for future co-operation.

This Government will continue to push forward the North-South agenda. While proposals for all-Ireland criminal agencies such as those proposed would raise constitutional and legislative difficulties, the Government will continue to promote closer co-operation between the two jurisdictions in all areas where it will prove beneficial to the people of this island.

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