Assembly Committee Briefed On The Transfer Of Policing And Justice Matters

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which is conducting an Inquiry into the transfer of policing and justice matters, was briefed, today, by officials from the NIO.

Speaking after the meeting, the Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson, MP, Chairperson of the Committee, said:

“The Committee had asked for a briefing to inform its approach to the Inquiry it is conducting into the transfer of policing and justice matters.”

Mr Donaldson confirmed that the Committee would be inviting written submissions to its Inquiry by 17 August. Mr Donaldson went on to explain that:

“The Committee will be looking, specifically, at the detail of the matters to be devolved, the ministerial model, and the preparations which the Assembly has made, and needs to make, to facilitate the devolution of policing and justice matters.”

Mr Donaldson stressed that it would also be important for the Committee to consider, and report on, whether it is likely that the Assembly would make a request for the devolution of policing and justice matters before 1 May 2008.