Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

900. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address the increased dangers arising from cross-Border travel to public houses in Northern Ireland. [21264/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including operational matters, and I, as Minister, have no responsibility in the matter. I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. Under Operation Navigation, An Garda Síochána continue to enforce Public Health Regulations in this jurisdiction. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the patrols and checkpoints along the border with Northern Ireland have not revealed any increase in the risks or dangers associated with the movement of people.

An Garda Síochána and the PSNI have established excellent and unprecedented levels of cooperation during the Covid-19 crisis. The Garda Commissioner and PSNI Chief Constable are in regular contact and this ongoing close cooperation interaction has been a key element of policing during these uncertain times.