Cross-Border machinery theft
Senator Comiskey reports increasing theft of tractors and heavy machinery along the Border and calls for stronger Garda–PSNI cooperation and port checks.
In the past few weeks it has come to my attention that a serious problem is developing along the Border. Heavy machinery and tractors are being stolen. It is alleged that many of the machines are going north and being exported through the ports in Northern Ireland. I call for greater co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. I welcomed the co-operation we saw during the period of bad weather. I spoke about that a few weeks ago. I call for greater controls and co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI to examine serial numbers on all machines exported through all ports, but particularly those in Northern Ireland, to try to alleviate the problem. It is a serious problem for people when their machines are stolen.