Menu
09/07/2010
'Doing Justice' To Cross Border Partnership
The first formal meeting of the cross-border Criminal Justice Ministerial Group was held in Carlingford today (July 9).
Stormont Justice Minister David Ford met Irish Minister Dermot Ahern to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest.
Included on the agenda were cross border issues in relation to sex offenders, forensic science services, youth justice, management of offenders and support for victims of crime. Ministers agreed a work programme setting out the key priorities for the next twelve months.
Speaking after the meeting David Ford said: "I am committed to working closely with Dermot Ahern to drive forward a range of criminal justice initiatives to make Ireland, both North and South, a better and safer place to live.
"In addition to the formal meetings under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Criminal Justice Co-operation, we and our officials will continue to have informal meetings as appropriate to maximise the benefits of cross-border co-operation to tackle crime in both parts of the island.
"The devolution of policing and justice powers provides an opportunity to enhance the working relationship with the Irish government," he said, noting that co-operation between criminal justice agencies is critical.
"Both Dermot and I are committed to working closely together to ensure that criminals do not use the border to escape justice."
For his part, Dermot Ahern said: "This was a very useful meeting. There is a real closeness in North/South relations in the justice and policing area that can only be to the benefit of the wider public on both sides of the border.
"As David says, we are determined that the border not be used by criminals to evade justice and policing co-operation to this end remains a focus for our efforts.
"We are also promoting engagement on a strategic level between the various criminal justice agencies with a view to the exchange of expertise, best practice and policy development.
"We face the same challenges and it is important that we share ideas and co-operate in tackling them. I look forward to building on today's meeting and on the excellent work which is already going on."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Stormont Justice Minister David Ford met Irish Minister Dermot Ahern to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest.
Included on the agenda were cross border issues in relation to sex offenders, forensic science services, youth justice, management of offenders and support for victims of crime. Ministers agreed a work programme setting out the key priorities for the next twelve months.
Speaking after the meeting David Ford said: "I am committed to working closely with Dermot Ahern to drive forward a range of criminal justice initiatives to make Ireland, both North and South, a better and safer place to live.
"In addition to the formal meetings under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Criminal Justice Co-operation, we and our officials will continue to have informal meetings as appropriate to maximise the benefits of cross-border co-operation to tackle crime in both parts of the island.
"The devolution of policing and justice powers provides an opportunity to enhance the working relationship with the Irish government," he said, noting that co-operation between criminal justice agencies is critical.
"Both Dermot and I are committed to working closely together to ensure that criminals do not use the border to escape justice."
For his part, Dermot Ahern said: "This was a very useful meeting. There is a real closeness in North/South relations in the justice and policing area that can only be to the benefit of the wider public on both sides of the border.
"As David says, we are determined that the border not be used by criminals to evade justice and policing co-operation to this end remains a focus for our efforts.
"We are also promoting engagement on a strategic level between the various criminal justice agencies with a view to the exchange of expertise, best practice and policy development.
"We face the same challenges and it is important that we share ideas and co-operate in tackling them. I look forward to building on today's meeting and on the excellent work which is already going on."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2010
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
30 June 2010
North's Wheels Of Justice 'Grind Too Slow'
It is taking too long to process cases through the courts in the North and the police and prosecutors have been urged to work more closely together to reduce the amount of time it takes.
North's Wheels Of Justice 'Grind Too Slow'
It is taking too long to process cases through the courts in the North and the police and prosecutors have been urged to work more closely together to reduce the amount of time it takes.
13 April 2010
New Era For North's Policing Begins
As the North's Policing Board welcomed devolution of the last powers to Stormont yesterday, the newly installed Justice Minister David Ford has said that his appointment heralds a new era.
New Era For North's Policing Begins
As the North's Policing Board welcomed devolution of the last powers to Stormont yesterday, the newly installed Justice Minister David Ford has said that his appointment heralds a new era.
21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
19 April 2010
Ford Holds Cross-Border Summit
Both the security situation and cross-border co-operation on dealing with sex offenders was on the agenda as the newly elected Stormont Justice Minister David Ford held his first formal meeting with Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.
Ford Holds Cross-Border Summit
Both the security situation and cross-border co-operation on dealing with sex offenders was on the agenda as the newly elected Stormont Justice Minister David Ford held his first formal meeting with Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will remain dry through the evening and overnight. There will be some clearer spells through the night between areas of patchy high cloud. Light winds. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
