Ford Holds First Meeting With Irish Justice Minister

On Friday, Northern Justice Minister David Ford held his first formal meeting with Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern. During the 90 minute meeting at Castle Buildings, which was also attended by Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, a range of policing and justice issues were discussed, including the threat from Dissident Republicans and on-going cross-border police co-operation.

Mr Ford said: "As Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive I want to work closely with Dermot Ahern to look at ways in which we can co-operate across the criminal justice system to make Ireland, both North and South, a better and safer place.

"The remit we have is broad and there is much work to do, whether it is in fighting the threat from dissidents, developing strategies on youth justice, public protection arrangements, support for victims or the management of sex offenders.

"It is important to build upon the already well established co-operation, whether at a political level between two ministers or operationally between two police services. Co-operation is essential in the on-going fight against crime from whatever source it emanates."

Speaking afterwards, Minister Ahern said: "I am very glad to be here to meet with Minister Ford. The devolution of policing and justice and the Minister's appointment represents another step forward for Northern Ireland.

"I want to thank the Garda Commissioner and Chief Constable for joining us today. They have left us in no doubt that co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI is operating at an extremely high level, not just in relation to the dissident threat but also in addressing local and organised crime.

"It is vital that co-operation in the criminal justice area continues to work seamlessly. Where possible, we should also look to harmonise legislation in order to ensure there are no loopholes which criminals can exploit. Such efforts are already underway in relation to notification requirements for sex offenders."