§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 18 November (WA 183), what is the evidence, in terms of seizures, charges and convictions, to sustain the claim that "there are excellent levels of co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana" in dealing with those who are endangering public health through criminal activity in the area of waste disposal and transportation; and what are the figures for such seizures, charges and convictions in 2001, 2002 and 2003. [HL79]
§ Baroness AmosThe Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of Environment has primary regulatory responsibility for tackling illegal dumping in Northern Ireland.
EHS has been assisted by both the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana in a number of investigations and operations which have led to 54WA cases being referred for prosecution and others which are still under investigation.
The PSNI are very satisfied with the current levels of co-operation by all of the agencies involved in these investigations.
It is not, however, possible to identify specific operational successes resulting from this co-operation.