Menu
19/04/2010
Ford Holds Cross-Border Summit
Both the security situation and cross-border co-operation on dealing with sex offenders was on the agenda as the newly elected Stormont Justice Minister David Ford held his first formal meeting with Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.
On Friday, he arranged a 90-minute meeting at Castle Buildings, which was also attended by the PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, (pictured).
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," he said.
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. 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," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
On Friday, he arranged a 90-minute meeting at Castle Buildings, which was also attended by the PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, (pictured).
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," he said.
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. 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," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 July 2011
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
18 July 2014
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
18 October 2010
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
13 April 2010
New Era Of NI Policing Begins
As the NI Policing Board welcomed devolution of the last powers to Stormont yesterday, the newly installed NI Justice Minister David Ford has said that his appointment heralds a new era.
New Era Of NI Policing Begins
As the NI Policing Board welcomed devolution of the last powers to Stormont yesterday, the newly installed NI Justice Minister David Ford has said that his appointment heralds a new era.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
