Chief Constable appears before Committee

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which is conducting an Inquiry into the transfer of policing and justice matters to Northern Ireland, heard evidence today from the Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and Officials from the NIO.

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

“The Committee welcomed the opportunity to explore a number of issues with the Chief Constable today including the preparation and timing of devolution, and the funding of policing post devolution. The issue of public confidence was also central to our discussions”.

“The NIO also briefed the Committee on the preparations they have been involved in with regard to the devolution of policing and justice”.

It is expected the Committee will report by February 2008 on the preparations which the Assembly has made, and needs to make, to facilitate the devolution of policing and justice matters.