§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 13 December 2004 (WA 54 ) regarding co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Siochana, whether the claim that there are "excellent levels of co-operation" between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is consistent with the statement that "it is not possible to identify specific operational successes resulting from this co-operation". [HL699]
§ Baroness AmosThe excellent levels of co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana in tackling those organised criminals who seek to operate in both jurisdictions is evidenced by the number of successful cross-border joint investigations against individuals who seek to profit from organised crime. For example, in December 2004, in an operation co-ordinated by PSNI, police on both sides of the border and in GB conducted a number of searches as part of an investigation against organised criminals suspected of illegal waste dumping and smuggling operations.
It is not appropriate to comment on, or identify further, the specific nature or level of that co-operation as it relates to ongoing investigations and continuing efforts to detect offenders.
The Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of the Environment which has primary responsibility for tackling illegal dumping in Northern Ireland has also been assisted by PSNI and An Garda Siochana in a number of its investigations. It is not possible, however, separately to identify specific operational successes resulting from this co-operation.