Crime task force called on to 're-double' efforts

Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said it is essential that efforts are re-doubled in order to build on the successes of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) over the past year.

Mr Murphy was speaking at the first meeting of the OCTF since the Northern Bank robbery last December and said that no one should be in any doubt as to the link between paramilitary activity and organised criminality in Northern Ireland.

“This combination has the capacity to not only wreck lives and hinder economic growth but, as the bank robbery has demonstrated, has the ability to totally undermine political progress,” the Minister said.

“Our response to incidents such as the robbery, which demonstrated new levels of sophistication, ruthlessness and arrogance in criminality, must exceed the level of sophistication shown by those criminals who perpetrated the crime. Public confidence needs to be restored.”

Mr Murphy said that despite the envy shown towards the OCTF from similar agencies across the world it could not rest on its laurels.

“The Task Force must continue to build on its strengths and remain fit for its purpose,” the Minister continued.

“To this end I have asked the Security Minister Ian Pearson to explore with Task Force partners what more can be done across Government to deal with organised criminality.”

The OCTF meeting was chaired by the Secretary of State and attended by other NIO Ministers and Nigel Hamilton, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

(MB/GB)