Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

It is not really for me to provide specific details on what is being done in this regard. I am sure the Tánaiste will discuss the matter with the Deputy in the House when he gets an opportunity to do so. It is clear that substantial funding is being spent through various North-South initiatives on either side of the Border. I agree with the Deputy that the most logical way of proceeding in this regard is by tackling the most disadvantaged and deprived areas. He alluded to the substantial EU funding that is being spent on cross-Border co-operation through the PEACE and INTERREG projects. I hope and believe we will be able to secure continued funding during the negotiations on the new budget outline for the period between 2014 and 2020. Resources are being channelled in a strategic and targeted way. The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Commissioner have both gone on the record to acknowledge the excellent relationship they have and to emphasise their joint determination to target security and policing problems. I hope everybody in this House is united on the need to ensure we can end this scourge both North and South of the Border.

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