§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent steps he has taken to encourage secondments between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda. [32990]
§ Jane KennedyThe Government are working closely with the Irish Government to take forward the implementation of North/South co-operation measures, including lateral entry and secondment, on a reciprocal basis. The two Governments published a timetable on 13 December. Negotiations are progressing on an intergovernmental agreement with the Irish Government, which we hope to sign shortly. This will provide a framework for the development of formal protocols between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Sfochana covering issues such as long-term personnel exchanges and co-operation on training. Amendments to the legislation will also be taken forward in both jurisdictions, as required.