Gay Mitchell
Question:103 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made a submission to the Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26227/98]
Written Answers - Northern Ireland Issues.
The Government set out its views on the need for fundamental changes in policing in Northern Ireland at a meeting between Government officials and the Patten Commission in September. Further meetings between Government officials and commission members are envisaged. If, in addition, we feel that we could further assist the commission in formulating recommendations consistent with the objectives set out in the Agreement, we would be prepared to provide supplementary clarification at the appropriate time.
The real source of detailed proposals remains the views of those who are to be policed under the new structures and arrangements — the people of Northern Ireland and their political and community leaders. Only by carefully listening to those will the commission be able to make recommendations to establish a police service which, in the words of the Agreement, "can enjoy widespread support from, and is seen as an integral part of, the community as a whole."