Inquiry on Devolution of Policing and Justice Matters

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee met today to discuss the options for a Ministerial model and procedures for filling Ministerial post/s for any new Department of Policing and Justice.

The parties represented on the Committee also discussed the structure of any new Department and resolved to write to the First Minister and deputy First Minister on a number of issues. The Ministers will be asked for their views on the arrangements being made for the appointment of an Attorney General for Northern Ireland; the effect of the work of the proposed Efficiency Review Panel in relation to the number of Departments and Ministers in the Executive; and, the positioning of the Public Prosecution Service in a Department other than that which would take charge of policing and justice matters.

The Committee is expected to 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.