Justice Ministers meet on cross border criminal justice issues

The first formal meeting of the cross-border criminal justice ministerial group was held in Carlingford today.

The Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD, met Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford 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 the attached work programme setting out the key priorities for the next twelve months.

Speaking after the meeting Minister 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.  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."

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.

"The devolution of policing and justice powers provides an opportunity to enhance the working relationship with the Irish Government.

"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."

9 July 2010 

Notes to editors

1. An Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation on Criminal Justice Matters provides a framework for cooperation on criminal justice matters. It provides for at least one Ministerial meeting per year between David Ford and Dermot Ahern who receive reports from a Working Group made up of officials from both jurisdictions that meets at least twice per year. 

2. The Working Group is supported by a number of ad hoc Project Advisory Groups which take forward work strands in a number of areas including youth justice, forensic science, public protection and support for victims. The Working Group is responsible for preparing an annual work programme which is presented to Ministers for their approval.

3. Ministers agreed a joint work programme which sets out the priorities for cooperation over the next twelve months. 

A copy of the programme is available at www.justice.ie.