Menu
29/06/2010
Cross-Border Crime Focus Welcomed
There has been a warm welcome in Northern Ireland for reports that the Irish Republic's Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern, is to kick-start a multi-agency initiative to crack down on crime in border areas.
The news that it will begin shortly has been hailed as good news by the SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher.
However, Mr Gallagher said for the venture to succeed it must be mirrored this side of the border.
He was commenting after the Daíl Minister said Gardaí, customs and excise, revenue and social security authorities will all be involved in the clampdown.
Mr Gallagher said: "This initiative to tackle cross border crime, while long overdue, is nonetheless welcome. Gardaí, joined by personnel from Customs and Excise plus social security can be an improvement to the situation as it is.
"However, this initiative will only be effective if it is complemented by a similar initiative this side of the border.
"Everyone in border constituencies is aware that social security fraud is a problem and there are individuals and groups making easy money through rackets such as waste material, diesel and cigarettes. In some cases the paramilitaries are behind it," he said.
"The best message for those engaging in these crimes is that both governments will show determination to crack down heavily on them.
"I will be asking the First Minister's Office (OFMDFM) to immediately act to involve the appropriate departments here in launching a similar initiative.
"Both governments, north and south must be seen to unite of this important issue."
(BMcC/GK)
The news that it will begin shortly has been hailed as good news by the SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher.
However, Mr Gallagher said for the venture to succeed it must be mirrored this side of the border.
He was commenting after the Daíl Minister said Gardaí, customs and excise, revenue and social security authorities will all be involved in the clampdown.
Mr Gallagher said: "This initiative to tackle cross border crime, while long overdue, is nonetheless welcome. Gardaí, joined by personnel from Customs and Excise plus social security can be an improvement to the situation as it is.
"However, this initiative will only be effective if it is complemented by a similar initiative this side of the border.
"Everyone in border constituencies is aware that social security fraud is a problem and there are individuals and groups making easy money through rackets such as waste material, diesel and cigarettes. In some cases the paramilitaries are behind it," he said.
"The best message for those engaging in these crimes is that both governments will show determination to crack down heavily on them.
"I will be asking the First Minister's Office (OFMDFM) to immediately act to involve the appropriate departments here in launching a similar initiative.
"Both governments, north and south must be seen to unite of this important issue."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 November 2011
Cross-border Crime Focus As Drugs Recovered
Drugs have been recovered in an international cross-border operation that has again highlighted the fight against organised crime across Ireland, North and South. It has been revealed that a joint police operation thwarted an attempt to smuggle a £2m (€2.3m) haul of cannabis into Ireland.
Cross-border Crime Focus As Drugs Recovered
Drugs have been recovered in an international cross-border operation that has again highlighted the fight against organised crime across Ireland, North and South. It has been revealed that a joint police operation thwarted an attempt to smuggle a £2m (€2.3m) haul of cannabis into Ireland.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
20 December 2019
Fianna Fáil Call For New Cross Border Crime Agency
Fianna Fáil have launched a new Bill to provide for the introduction of a Cross Border Crime Agency. The proposed new agency would have powers to monitor and investigate organised cross border criminal activity in such areas as illicit trade, fuel smuggling and human trafficking.
Fianna Fáil Call For New Cross Border Crime Agency
Fianna Fáil have launched a new Bill to provide for the introduction of a Cross Border Crime Agency. The proposed new agency would have powers to monitor and investigate organised cross border criminal activity in such areas as illicit trade, fuel smuggling and human trafficking.
24 April 2024
Ministers Urged To Act On Historical Clerical Abuse 'Without Delay'
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister must sign off on the terms of reference for delayed research into historical clerical abuse of children "without delay", Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.
Ministers Urged To Act On Historical Clerical Abuse 'Without Delay'
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister must sign off on the terms of reference for delayed research into historical clerical abuse of children "without delay", Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.
21 April 2009
Cross-Border Health Matters In Focus
Lost opportunities for cross-border cooperation on health could be putting lives at risk, a leading researcher from the Centre for Cross Border Studies said today.
Cross-Border Health Matters In Focus
Lost opportunities for cross-border cooperation on health could be putting lives at risk, a leading researcher from the Centre for Cross Border Studies said today.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
