Cross-border Co-operation Between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

HC 78, Second Report of Session 2008-09 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

This report finds that relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are closer than has ever been the case. Co-operative arrangements in place in the spheres of policing and law enforcement have never run more smoothly, or been more effective, in countering crime and bringing its perpetrators to justice.

The border provides considerable opportunities for highly experienced and inventive organised criminal gangs, frequently arisen from paramilitary groupings, that have blighted Northern Ireland's life for several decades. Criminals exploit the room opened for them by the border, such as the jurisdictional issues that arise out of having two systems of law and law enforcement operating in an area so 'criss-crossed' with roads, streams and other crossing points.

The inquiry has found many good examples of work done by the law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border. The value of institutional contacts between organisations such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Siochana is inestimable.

Chapters in the report cover:

• policing and co-operation;

• criminal justice and co-operation; and

• areas for closer co-operation (including scope for legislative change and sex offenders and public safety).

Extent	134 pages	ISBN	9780215532275
Size	A4	Price	£17.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	18 Jun 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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