Vol. 551 No. 3
33 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought or received a report from the British authorities regarding the recent break-in at the Castlereagh offices of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in which sensitive documents are reported to have been taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10271/02]
On Sunday 17 March last, three people broke into a special branch office at Castlereagh police complex, assaulted a police officer and took certain documentation. The identities of those responsible are unknown, as are their exact intentions.
In the wake of the incident, the Secretary of State, Dr. John Reid, characterised the incident as a "breach of national security." He announced the setting up of a review by Sir John Chilcot, former head of the Northern Ireland Office. Mr Colin Smith, a former Chief Constable of Thames Valley Constabulary, will assist Sir John, acting as an assessor. The terms of reference of the review are to establish how unauthorised access was gained to a Special Branch office, the extent of any damage caused to national security, the adequacy of action subsequently taken to mitigate any such damage and to prevent unauthorised access there and in similar buildings elsewhere in Northern Ireland, and wider lessons to be learned. Dr. Reid will make a further statement once the review is concluded. This review will run parallel with the criminal investigation being headed by Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Wright of the PSNI. The Policing Board has a crucial role to play in this matter as the body to which the Police Service of Northern Ireland must account for its actions. It is critical that the issue is managed in a way that not only protects the public but encourages the public to have confidence in policing.
