Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I am not opposed in principle to the establishment of a CAB-style cross-Border agency, I am satisfied the existing co-operative arrangements are effective. Advancing any new proposal would require detailed negotiation and, as the Deputy noted, engagement with the British Government, which has responsibility for some of the agencies involved and would have to be a party to conclude any new international agreement on the issues. Furthermore, the creation of a new multi-agency body would also require the support of the political institutions in Northern Ireland to succeed. In this regard, the Fresh Start agreement was agreed by the British and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive in 2015. It goes without saying any proposal would need to be discussed in detail with the Garda Commissioner and his counterparts in Northern Ireland and Great Britain and given careful consideration in the context of the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

I am sure the Deputy will join me in welcoming the Garda Commissioner's decision to establish an additional armed support unit, ASU, in County Cavan, which became operational this week. The ASU will complement the work of those based in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and Dundalk, County Louth, in the northern region.

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