Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. I welcome the actions that are being taken. I know about cross-Border co-operation at a local level in my own constituency.

The Minister referred to the task force. Prior to that task force being established, I proposed legislation in the Dáil some years ago, which went to committee level, regarding the establishment of a cross-Border crime agency, on a statutory basis, consisting of officials from the different statutory agencies mentioned by the Minister. At that time, the particular focus would have been on illicit trade in drugs, drink and tobacco products. At that time, we were well aware of the scourge of illicit fuel products being brought into the country. Now, the focus would need to be on the drugs issue.

Is the Minister confident that the task force has enough resources? Does it need any legislation to underpin its work? Could consideration be given to the proposal I brought forward that a cross-Border crime agency be established, on a statutory basis, to deal with these cross-Border crimes that cause havoc in every community throughout our island?

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