New cross-border taskforce is key is tackling organised crime – O’Reilly

Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O’Reilly, has backed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan in his call for a new cross-border taskforce to comprehensively tackle cross-border organised crime, controlled in many areas by the Provisional IRA (PIRA).
“As part of the ongoing Stormont talks, every effort must be made to establish a new cross-border taskforce which would tackle crime in border areas being controlled by PIRA members.
“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.
“Given the growing problem of illegal waste, there is also a strong argument for an environmental protection dimension to be included in the remit of such a taskforce.
“Cross-border crime is hugely damaging to local economies and is affecting the spread of the economic recovery to this region. The Government is working to ensure jobs growth in all areas and to promote projects connecting the north and south such as the Ulster Canal restoration project and the A5 €50 million upgrade.
“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.”