Ford holds first meeting with Scottish Justice Secretary

4.25.00pm GMT Fri 23rd Jul 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford is in Edinburgh today for his first meeting with Scottish Justice Cabinet Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

The agenda includes a number of issues of mutual interest, including organised crime, forensic services and opportunities for enhancing arrangements across a range of criminal justice matters.

Mr Ford said: "As Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive I am committed to working in partnership with ministers in other administrations to enhance co-operation on a range of cross cutting criminal justice issues.

"Today's first meeting with the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice is part of that engagement and follows on from recent meetings with Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

"There is common ground in the challenges which we face in Northern Ireland and those faced by our neighbouring administrations. The sharing of knowledge, experience and best practice between the jurisdictions can only make our communities a better place to live."

David Ford also signalled his intention to enhance co-operation between Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh on justice issues.

He said: "The devolution of policing and justice has provided the opportunity at ministerial level to create new working partnerships which can benefit the people of Northern Ireland and this is something I want to build upon.

"I hope that Dermot Ahern, Kenny MacAskill and I can meet together in the autumn to discuss how we can work more closely across our jurisdictions for the benefit of everyone."