Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Combatting organised crime in whatever guise is among the policy priorities that the Government set out this year and is an operational priority for An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. It is well recognised that organised crime seeks to exploit the Border. Cross-Border crime and the people involved pose serious issues. I have held many discussions with the Northern Minister, Mr. Ford, about the challenges presented by cross-Border organised crime as well as our responses to same. Recently, we discussed these challenges at a seminar in Sligo on cross-Border organised crime, where I was impressed to see the staff of the Garda and the PSNI working closely together to target this problem. Down the years, many initiatives have resulted from such discussions.

I support the valuable contribution made by the BIPA's report on cross-Border crime. Well done to all involved. A key feature of the ongoing work is the inter-agency nature of law enforcement co-operation, in that it involves the two police forces and the two customs services on the island as well as the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, and the UK's National Crime Agency.

Two cross-Border enforcement groups that target fuel fraud and tobacco fraud, respectively, have been in operation for some years and have made a considerable contribution to operational co-operation in the area. Recently, at the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence, I put into the public arena some of the up-to-date figures on, for example, fuel smuggling and recent successes. Given the fact that 131 garages have been closed around the country, this is a serious issue that requires attention. The Revenue Commissioners are active in this regard and have made combatting fuel laundering one of their priorities. It is implementing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the problem, as Deputy Collins knows. However, I am open to considering any further action such as that recommended in the report.

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