Dáil Éireann - Volume 642 - 04 December, 2007

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Deputy Joe McHugh Deputy Joe McHugh

Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the follow up security measures that have been initiated following the two PSNI shootings in November 2007 and a murder (details supplied) in County Monaghan, to counter further incidents of the same nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32144/07]

Deputy Charlie O’Connor Deputy Charlie O’Connor

Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to temporarily assign members of the Garda Síochána to the PSNI to allow them to assist in the investigation in the North of the 20 October 2007 murder near Oram in County Monaghan; his view on the huge interest and concern in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32533/07]

Deputy Brian Lenihan Deputy Brian Lenihan

  Deputy Brian Lenihan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 560 together.

For obvious reasons I cannot comment on specific security measures. Close co-operation is maintained with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in respect of combating the threat from all paramilitary groups. Appropriate assistance is being provided in relation to the recent shootings of two PSNI officers currently under investigation in Northern Ireland.

In relation to the murder in County Monaghan referred to in both Questions, I share the abhorrence with which all right-minded people will regard this vicious crime. The very intensive investigation into this incident is active and ongoing and the Garda Síochána is receiving full co-operation and assistance from the authorities in Northern Ireland in this regard. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to liaise with the family of the victim, to ensure that they are kept fully informed of developments.

Enquiries are being conducted at local level on both sides of the border and information is being exchanged on a Police-to-Police basis through established procedures. Garda management is satisfied that sufficient resources are allocated to the investigation. The Gardaí, in co-operation with the PSNI, will continue to pursue the perpetrators of this crime with the utmost vigour.

Dáil Éireann 642 Written Answers. Northern Ireland Issues.

Questions

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