Authorities ‘not ignoring cross-border smuggling’

Accusations the authorities are turning a blind eye to cross-border smuggling in an act of “appeasement” have been dismissed by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan.

Comments by fellow Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan forced the minister into the denial.

The minister also said the issue of whether a joint cross-border force was needed to tackle the situation would be discussed at a meeting of the North-South Council in April.