Jim O'Keeffe
Question:73 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give a current report on the controversy surrounding the Policing Bill in Northern Ireland. [22369/00]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
The Good Friday Agreement provided 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 comprehensively addressed the broad range of important and sensitive issues related to policing. The Government welcomed the report and said that the early and effective implementation of its recommendations would form an essential part of the implementation of the agreement as a whole.
On 5 May last, the two Governments indicated the timetable planned for the implementation of the Patten report, which included passing the legislation by November 2000 and beginning the process of recruiting for the new police service in April 2001. The Secretary of State published the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill on 15 May and an implementation plan, dealing with each of the recommendations of the report, followed on 6 June. The Bill completed its passage through the Commons on 11 July 2000. It was introduced in the Lords just before the summer recess and is expected to be taken at Committee Stage in the Lords shortly. It is anticipated that the Bill will be signed into law by the end of November and the revised implementation plan will be published thereafter.
The Policing Bill, as originally published, fell short of Patten's recommendations in a number of important areas. However, substantial improvements have been made to the Bill since then and we very much appreciate the efforts of the British Government in that regard.
Important issues remain to be resolved, and discussions continue to take place between the British and Irish Governments. The Taoiseach met the British Prime Minister on Tuesday 10 October and also had discussions with him at the informal European Council at Biarritz on 13 and 14 October. I met with Secretary of State Mandelson in London and had further discussions with him in Belfast on Monday 16 October.
We are seeking a way forward which ensures that the core proposals of Patten are delivered. Progress has been achieved and we look forward to the resolution of outstanding issues in the coming weeks. The objective of both Governments is to achieve a truly acceptable and representative police service which will be of enormous benefit to both communities in Northern Ireland.