Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a good suggestion. I congratulate the Minister because, as he stated, it is time to move with the technology. It is good that he is now doing so, although we are probably still somewhat behind the technology. The geographic area to which reference is made covers all or part of the State. That is fine when something such as a G8 summit is taking place because every box will have to be ticked, the various leaders will have to be protected, the PSNI will be obliged to co-operate with the Garda, etc.

I am concerned, however, with what will be the position in the normal course, particularly in view of the fact that mobile technology can be used across borders. There is a mast just three miles north of the Border which cannot be closed down and which transmits signals into the South. Is there an agreement in place in respect of policing the various threats that exist, particularly in the context of tracing criminals who flee across the Border when they have committed crimes in either the North or the South? Is what will happen in such circumstances set down anywhere? There is always plenty of time to prepare for G8 summits or similar events but emergencies can arise very quickly and we must ensure there is co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda in the context of closing particular areas north and south of the Border as the need arises. Recent events have shown how criminals can escape from the South to the North and vice versa.