asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a code of conduct for the RUC will be introduced.
Written Answers. - RUC Code of Conduct.
27.
As the Deputy knows, at the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference on 11 December 1985, the Chief Constable of the RUC indicated that in consultation with the Police Authority he had been preparing and would introduce as soon as possible in 1986 such a code. The code has not yet been introduced.
Since coming into office I have raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
I consider it of great importance that the security forces in Northern Ireland must not only discharge their duties even-handedly and with equal respect for the Unionist and Nationalist identities and traditions, but be seen by both communities to do so. Accordingly, I will continue to press for the introduction of the code of conduct for the RUC at the earliest possible opportunity.