The Patten report recommends, inter alia, that efforts should be made to identify and contact Roman Catholics from Northern Ireland currently serving in the Garda Síochána – and, indeed, police services in Great Britain – so that they might be encouraged, particularly those in more senior ranks, to apply for positions in the police service in Northern Ireland. The report also recommends that, regardless of religion, the lateral entry of experienced officers from other police services should be actively encouraged.
In addition, the report recommends a programme of personnel exchanges between the Garda Síochána and the police service in Northern Ireland.
The full implementation of the Patten report is a key element in the peace process and progress on this matter is to be welcomed. In this context, I have noted the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's comments with interest.
It is intended that a framework agreement will be drawn up under the auspices of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference to facilitate implementation of the recommendations contained in the Patten report involving the Garda Síochána.
