Collaboration is key, Long tells cross border organised crime webinar

Effective collaboration between governments and law enforcement agencies is key to successfully disrupting and preventing organised criminality, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said at a cross border webinar today.

She was joined by Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Justice, Chief Constable of the PSNI, Simon Byrne, and Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris to address representatives of law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.

The theme of the event was understanding and preparing for the evolving cross border risks and threats around organised crime post EU Exit.

The Organised Crime annual conference enhances cooperation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border, particularly in relation to cross border organised criminality and related issues. It also provides an opportunity to assess and address changing trends in crime and to build upon and enhance the operational actions already undertaken in this area.  This year’s online conference was arranged to support a collaborative law enforcement agency response as the EU Exit transition period comes to an end. 

Minister Naomi Long said:  “We are all working in difficult circumstances.  A global pandemic as well as EU Exit creates added uncertainty for all of us on this Island.  As we approach the final days of the transition period, the EU Exit negotiations, including on justice and security, continue.

“We know that criminals will seek to exploit any new opportunities that may arise.   Effective collaboration between governments and law enforcement agencies is key to successfully disrupting and preventing organised criminality. I commend all the law enforcement agencies north and south of the border for their continuing commitment to working collectively to combat organised crime.”

Speaking following today’s online event, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: “Criminal organisations and dissident groups cannot be allowed to take advantage of the UK’s separation from the EU. This webinar will allow us to better coordinate and understand the issues of cross border crime, and identify the opportunities for beneficial cooperation in the context of new political realities. 

“By better understanding the existing challenges and risks we can ensure they are managed and mitigated. This forum will be one step among many to ensure the communities of our shared island are safe from crime.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “The cooperation that already exists between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana, and other law enforcement partners, is excellent.

“Whilst there is still uncertainty about what the new year will bring in terms of EU Exit and the impact of the global pandemic on all our lives, I can say with absolute certainty that our shared approach to tackling organised criminality on both sides of the border will continue unreservedly.

“Today’s conference presents an excellent opportunity for members of the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force to come together to consider how best to meet the challenges of the year ahead.”

Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris said: “Criminals have already adapted to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this year and they will re-adapt again.

“Those involved in organised crime will be actively trying to identify any potential vulnerabilities that they can maximise on post-Brexit. There is no doubt that we are on the cusp of change and there will be practicalities to overcome, but we are ready.

“Irrespective of the precise outcome of Brexit talks, cross-border co-operation and engagement will continue to be essential in the fight against organised criminality on this island.”

The conference agenda included an update on the work of the Joint Agency Task Force.

The event which was held virtually this year was attended by a range of law enforcement agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the National Crime Agency, the Revenue Commissioners, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and Government Departments.

The conference agenda included an update on the work of the Joint Agency Task Force.

The event which was held virtually this year was attended by a range of law enforcement agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the National Crime Agency, the Revenue Commissioners, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and Government Departments.

The event was organised jointly by the Department of Justice [NI] and the Department of Justice [RoI].

Notes to editors: 

1. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email to: press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk

2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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