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 to Northern Ireland, met today to hear evidence from the Northern Ireland Court Service.

The Court Service is the first of a number of organisations who will give evidence to the Inquiry over the next six weeks.

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

“The Committee explored a number of issues with the Court Service including the future structure of the Courts Service and how it might relate to a Department of Justice, and the preparations the Court Service has been making in relation to the prospect of policing and justice matters being transferred.

Mr Donaldson went on to say,

“Next week, the Committee will hear from the Lord Chief Justice, the Policing Board and the Secretary of State and it may also invite further witnesses during the course of the Inquiry”.

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.