Quigley Lecture: Combatting economic crime on the island of Ireland

Combatting economic crime on the island of Ireland: the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána

Policing services in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland cooperate in their efforts to combat economic crime that affects both jurisdictions, and hope to cooperate further in years to come, according to the heads of both services at a lecture organised by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation.

The Quigley Lecture is an annual lecture delivered on a key aspect of policy or practice of relevance to cross-border cooperation. It is held in memory of the late Sir George Quigley.

At the joint lecture today, Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Justin Kelly, and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Jon Boutcher, stressed the excellent working relationship between the services that they are committed to sustaining and developing, as they continue to combat economic crime on the island that crosses the border.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “Events like today underline the strength of the relationship between Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána. We operate in different jurisdictions and legal frameworks but our cooperation as policing services is incredibly strong.

“I have a huge respect and strong relationship with Commissioner Justin Kelly and I know our working relationship is mirrored throughout our two organisations. This cooperation is vital to all of our efforts to protect victims and communities across the island of Ireland and bring those who would exploit or harm them to justice.

“I want to thank the previous commissioner Drew Harris for all his support over the years and wish Justin every success in leading AGS. He and I have an excellent relationship. I also want to acknowledge the role of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation in delivering important initiatives like this.”

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said: “Our relationship with the PSNI is very important and delivers real benefit for people either side of the border including victims of cross border crime.

“I look forward to that cooperation maturing further in years to come, to more people who break the law being brought to justice, and to people from all and every background and belief benefiting from our cooperation.

“I want to thank the Chief Constable and the Centre for this opportunity to promote the importance of our cooperation.”

Chair of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, Peter Osborne, added: “The Centre supports cooperation where there is mutual interest, mutual need and where there will be mutual benefit. The cooperation of the two policing services, recognising the different requirements in each jurisdiction, is a prime example of working together for the common good, stopping criminality across the border, supporting those who adhere to the law, and providing social, economic and justice benefits.

“The Centre thanks the two heads of the policing services, not just for delivering the lecture jointly but for the services they, and all their colleagues in An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, deliver to people every day.”

The event took place at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University, Belfast, and marked the tenth anniversary of the Quigley Lectures.