Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the possibility of having a debate on policing, as has been proposed from the other side of the Chamber. I am sure the Leader will do whatever is necessary in that regard. A few days ago, I mentioned the possibility of a corridor along the Border in what was formerly known as bandit country and where, unfortunately, there has been this awful, sad and atrocious crime.

There is no way that criminal gangs should be able to feel safe in operating from a safe retreat, probably in south Armagh, committing crimes here and then retreating back to wherever they feel safe, or vice versafor that matter. There is wonderful co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. It is better than ever before but I believe they should be able to operate jointly in a corridor along the Border. I look forward to pursuing that issue with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I am sure it is something that the forces themselves are discussing. We must make sure that the forces can accompany one another across the Border, whether they are in hot pursuit or otherwise. We must deter these criminals and we must wipe out these kinds of serious crimes. There is a problem in that area. Some may call it the elephant in the room but we are aware of it. There is a view that the PSNI see south Armagh as a no-go area, so to speak. That must be changed immediately.