Press release
Statement from the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD on Joint Investigation Team
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
“I warmly welcome establishment by An Garda Síochána and the PSNI of a Joint Investigation Team to address the attacks on Quinn Industrial Holdings and its management.
“This is the first ever Joint Investigation Team established involving An Garda Síochána. This is a significant step forward and I commend the Garda Commissioner and his counterparts in PSNI management for taking this initiative which has been in preparation for some time.
“I am confident that Gardaí and their partners in the PSNI will use the opportunities presented by this team to bring to justice those involved in these heinous attacks. I again urge any person with information on these matters to please contact An Garda Síochána or the PSNI.
“I was pleased earlier this year to bring forward legislation that better facilitates Gardaí participating in Joint Investigations Teams. My Department will keep the legislation in this area under review, to ensure the State is fully equipped to effectively tackle cross border criminality.”
I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner who has assured me that An Garda Síochána, and their counterparts in Northern Ireland, will continue their relentless pursuit of the criminals involved in this case and, indeed, all those engaged in cross border criminality on this island. The Irish Government is absolutely determined to ensure that everything is done to guarantee community safety and the preservation and enhancement of the Rule of Law in our country.”
ENDS
The Joint Investigation Team was established under article 20 of the Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. This is the first Joint Investigation Team in which An Garda Síochána has taken part.
The Second Additional Protocol had previously been given effect in Irish law. Subsequent legislation, including the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act 2019, made further provision in relation to mutual assistance and to better facilitate the participation of members of An Garda Síochána in joint investigation teams.