Justice Ministers and senior law enforcement officials from across the island of Ireland have gathered in Cavan for the 2026 cross-border police conference. The event serves as a primary forum for agencies to share expertise and strengthen operational ties in the ongoing effort to combat serious and organised crime.

The conference, themed ‘Tackling the Business Model of Organised Crime – One Threat – Shared Responsibility’, was opened by Naomi Long MLA, Minister of Justice Northern Ireland, and Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. They were joined by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, underscoring a unified commitment to disrupting criminal networks that exploit jurisdictional boundaries.

Key discussions during the event focus on four core pillars: ‘People’, ‘Finance’, ‘Technology’, and ‘Merchandise’. Delegates are exploring how sustained connectivity through the Joint Agency Task Force can continue to deliver measurable results in protecting the public and addressing complex cross-border issues.

Minister Long said: "Every day, law enforcement organisations work together to tackle the criminality of organised crime groups. This Conference provides an important opportunity to pay tribute to the professionalism, commitment and dedication of those working in this challenging area, and to come together formally to consider new and more effective ways of tackling cross border crime, in partnership, within a constantly evolving environment. I recognise that disrupting the business model of organised crime demands a whole system response. It requires the combined efforts of law enforcement, robust legislation, asset recovery, prevention, and victim support, alongside the contribution of a wide range of partners beyond the criminal justice system. Today, we are demonstrating our shared responsibility and our collective commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, reducing harm, and strengthening cooperation on both sides of the border.” Minister O’Callaghan said: "Co-operation between law enforcement and justice agencies in both jurisdictions is essential to protect our communities. Criminal networks exploit gaps between jurisdictions. They seek out weaknesses and rely on disconnections in intelligence, enforcement and legal frameworks. This is why it is so important that the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI continues to deliver concrete and measurable progress, particularly through the Joint Agency Task Force. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that our response is as agile and responsive as those who operate these criminal networks. Neither jurisdiction can succeed in isolation."

Commissioner Kelly, An Garda Síochána said: "I am delighted to attend as Garda Commissioner to open this 2026 cross-border police conference, but I have attended many cross-border police conferences and I know and understand the value in both police services and other agencies meeting in person to discuss tackling the business model of organised crime. Organised crime impacts the daily lives of citizens across the country. The threat of organised crime on the island of Ireland is a shared responsibility. I am determined that An Garda Síochána will continue to work collaboratively with all our law enforcement partners to continue to disrupt, degrade and dismantle organised crime gangs operating into and across the island of Ireland. I look forward to the discussions and learnings that will take place during this cross-border policing conference.”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "The Cross-Border Conference on Serious and Organised Crime is a testament to the ongoing commitment to tackling serious criminality both sides of the border. Together with An Garda Síochána we will work tirelessly to keep people safe from harm, and we must not forget the support of other partner agencies in this endeavour. It’s imperative that we come together to share skills, knowledge and expertise with a focus on keeping people on both sides of the border as safe as we possibly can. We know that organised crime groups continue to exploit the border for their own financial gain, and this conference affords us a vital opportunity to come together to discuss new and often innovative ways to tackle cross-border crime. Delegates will discuss, and explore, how collaboration between our two police services plays a critical role in maintaining security across the island. The ongoing work of the Joint Agency Task Force continues to deliver significant results and also highlights how sustained connectivity between our two police services, and partner agencies, will continue to ensure we protect the public and address complex issues that span the border. The ongoing cooperation between our two police services represents a uniquely positive collaboration in policing, that is becoming ever stronger. We will not allow criminals to take advantage of the border or of any jurisdictional issues. We have a shared determination to continually improve how we work together and to be one step ahead of the organised crime groups that exploit society.”