Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 1

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Seán Ryan

Question:

61 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects the British Government to produce its legislation to implement the recommendations of the Patten report; the discussions, if any, he has had with the British authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13072/00]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

71 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with the British Government in relation to the implementation of the Patten report. [12825/00]

Ivor Callely

Question:

95 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress on the appointment of an oversight commissioner to implement the Patten Report on policing in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13142/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 71 and 95 together.

The Good Friday Agreement provided the context and the opportunity "for a new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland with a police service capable of attracting and sustaining support from the community as a whole". The Patten report, published in September 1999, comprehensively addressed the full range of important and sensitive issues related to policing. Since the publication of the report, the Government has engaged in frequent meetings with the British authorities with regard to the implementation of the report's recommendations and these meetings are ongoing in the context of the implementation of the agreement.

Following a statement by the Secretary of State on 19 January 2000 indicating acceptance of the essential substance of the Patten recommendations, the British Government is currently pre paring a new Bill on policing in Northern Ireland, as well as preparing specific implementation plans. It is expected that both will be published shortly, and that the legislation will be enacted by November of this year.

The Patten report considered that a "mechanism is needed to oversee the changes required of all those involved in the development of the new policing arrangements". It recommended that an oversight commissioner be appointed to fulfil this role. The Government considers that the appointment of an oversight commissioner is vital to the effective implementation of the report and has engaged in detailed discussions with the British authorities on the issue. An appointment to this key position is expected to be made in the near future.