Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision of the AGSI to withdraw co-operation from the North-South policing protocol that allows for members of the Garda Síochána to be seconded to the PSNI and [i]vice versa[/i]; if, in view of the implications of the decision, he intends to have discussions with the AGSI on the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10793/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am pleased to have this opportunity to inform the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI recently signed protocols which provide for the implementation of a programme of personnel exchanges and secondments between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The signing of these protocols is clear evidence of the continued commitment of both Irish and British Governments to the successful implementation of the intergovernmental agreement on police co-operation and, in turn, to the implementation of the recommendations of the Patten commission.

Secondments will enable members of each police service to be seconded with full police powers to the other police service for periods not exceeding three years. Legislation is already in place in both jurisdictions to enable these secondments to now proceed.

Personnel exchanges will result in a programme of placements to enable the transfer of experience and expertise, particularly in the area of training.

The implementation of these protocols will take co-operation between the two police forces to a new level and will bring benefits to both jurisdictions in the form of improved effectiveness in crime prevention and detection. In addition, the implementation of these protocols will provide a two-way flow of experience and expertise which will enhance policing standards in both organisations.

The payment of allowances to members of the Garda Síochána who participate in personnel exchanges or secondments is the subject of ongoing discussions at the Garda Síochána Conciliation Council. For the record, I should say that I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has not informed them that they will refuse to co-operate with the implementation of the above protocols.