Organised crime report presented to Secretary of State

Secretary of State Paul Murphy has paid tribute to Professor Ronald Goldstock, who today presented him with a report into organised crime in Northern Ireland.

In thanking Professor Goldstock for his efforts over the past two years, the Secretary of State said: "Professor Goldstock has made an important contribution to the fight against organised crime in Northern Ireland and I congratulate him on the thorough way in which he has undertaken this project.

“Tackling organised crime is a priority area for this Government and the expert advice and analysis of Professor Goldstock will no doubt allow us to be much better equipped to adequately address the problem.

"I will give very detailed and careful consideration to Professor Goldstock's conclusions and recommendations."

Professor Goldstock, former director of the New York State Organised Crime Task Force, was appointed in March 2002 by the then Secretary of State Dr John Reid to act as an independent expert and to provide an international perspective on the problem of organised crime in Northern Ireland.

Among the areas which Professor Goldstock has addressed are the requirements for achieving cross-community support for the fight against organised crime and investigative and legislative developments which may be used against the criminals.

The Secretary of State added: "I know that Professor Goldstock has consulted widely in preparing this report and there is food for thought in the initiatives he recommends, such as innovative methods to reduce extortion in the construction industry.

"There are however no quick fix solutions to the problem of organised crime. It is a resource intensive and long-term commitment. The contribution of Professor Goldstock is an important element in our continuing campaign to rid this evil from our streets."

Professor Goldstock’s report is confidential and will not be made public.

(GB)