Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long addressed the rapid growth of online far-right radicalisation during a cross-border police conference in County Cavan on Monday.

The annual event, organised by An Garda Siochana and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, focused on organised and serious crime. It provided law enforcement from both jurisdictions an opportunity to exchange operational experiences and knowledge.

Long attended alongside Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. She stressed the need for careful language on immigration to avoid justifying intimidation or threats against vulnerable people. She added that no one should take the law into their own hands.

Long emphasised the value of police forces learning from each other and sharing information, given the cross-border aspects of many crimes.

O’Callaghan responded to questions about families affected by the 2022 service station explosion in County Donegal, which killed 10 people including 14-year-old Leona Harper. The Harper family seeks a public inquiry into the incident.

O’Callaghan stated that justice comes through court processes, with the criminal investigation at an advanced stage. One file has gone to the Director of Public Prosecutions and another is due soon. He anticipates prosecutions, followed by an inquest and other statutory probes. He met the Harper family in Donegal last December and indicated openness to further meetings after legal steps advance, while considering an inquiry if gaps remain.