New cross-border taskforce is key to tackling organised crime – Coghlan

Speaking in the Seanad today (Tuesday), Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Paul Coghlan, has backed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan in his call for a new cross-border taskforce, a measure recommended by the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly report, published in February.
“In February the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly unanimously recommended that a cross-border taskforce be established to comprehensively tackle cross-border organised crime, controlled in many areas by the Provisional IRA (PIRA). This measure was welcomed by the Taoiseach at the time.
“Recent reports from An Garda Síochána and the PSNI/MI5 confirm what many people in border counties have known for some time; organised crime, much of which has its roots in paramilitary groups, is rife in border counties. Violence and intimidation, large-scale smuggling operations, fuel-laundering, drug-dealing and extortion are ongoing.
“The reports published by the PSNI and the Gardaí confirm that people who have been associated with PIRA are making full use of their reputations as members of PIRA in carrying out crimes. 
“There is great opportunity to build on the cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána by establishing a new cross-border taskforce. There cannot be any question of a ‘blind eye’ being turned to criminality and there should be no hiding place for these criminals.
“The problem of illegal waste was also addressed by British Irish Parliamentary Assembly report and it was recommended that the EPA should be involved in any taskforce that is formed. It is completely unacceptable that waterways, such as the Fane River and Lough Ross in south Armagh, which are used for drinking water, are being polluted.
“A new cross-border taskforce would send a strong message to criminals associated with the PIRA that this Government is determined to tackle cross-border crime and to see a change in culture.”