Debate contribution: Illegal Immigration and People Smuggling: Criminality
Debate contribution by Mrs Naomi Long on .
- MLA
- Mrs Naomi Long
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 30 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Illegal Immigration and People Smuggling: Criminality
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5653200
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Mr Speaker, with permission, I will answer questions 3 and 5 together, which may result in the answer being slightly longer than usual. At the outset, I remind Members that immigration is not a devolved matter and therefore does not fall within my responsibilities as Minister of Justice. However, I assure Members that there are established mechanisms through which relevant matters can be considered across government. One example is the UK-wide inter-ministerial group for safety, security and migration, where Northern Ireland is represented by the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and me. My role in that forum is focused on safety and security matters within the justice remit. It is important to note that, where criminality is identified, regardless of source or context, operational responsibility rests with the appropriate law enforcement agencies. I know that robust arrangements are in place to tackle criminality. I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement has the tools needed. That is why I introduced, by amendment to the Justice Bill, two new offences of directing and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. My Department contributes to addressing community concerns through its wider community safety responsibilities and through supporting local partnership working. Policing and community safety partnerships (PCSPs) funded by the DOJ and the Northern Ireland Policing Board provide an important mechanism for communities to raise local concerns and help shape practical responses to community safety issues at a local level. My Department also provides support for families and individuals who have been victims of racist incidents or crimes through the Hate Crime Advocacy Service, which is jointly funded by my Department and the PSNI.
275 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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