Inquiry On Devolution Of Policing And Justice Matters

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which is conducting an Inquiry into the transfer of policing and justice matters, met today to examine the written submissions it had received over the summer.

The Inquiry will deal specifically with the detail of policing and justice 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.

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

“The Committee has considered the written submissions and agreed a list of organisations and individuals who will be invited to give oral evidence. Amongst those to be called will be the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State, the Policing Board and the Northern Ireland Court Service”.

“The details of those who will give oral evidence will be published on the Assembly’s website in the next few days”.

“The Committee will begin to take oral evidence on 25 September, for a period of up to two months, and is expected to report by February 2008 on the preparations that the Assembly has made on the transfer of policing and justice matters.”

Mr Donaldson also confirmed that the initial 17 August deadline for written submissions has now been extended until Wednesday 26 September to allow for wider consultation with interested parties.