Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Liz McManus
Question:
22
Ms McManus
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
his views on the progress being made with regard to the development of acceptable policing structures in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[14752/03]
Policing in Northern Ireland has changed more in the past 18 months than in the previous 80 years, with the continuing implementation of the Patten reforms. The work of the Policing Board, the Police Ombudsman, the Oversight Commissioner, the Chief Constable Mr. Orde, and the Inspector of Constabulary has ensured that the vision of new policing set out in the Patten report is being made a reality.
The recent enactment of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2003 has given legislative effect to the commitments entered into by both Governments at Weston Park in July 2001. It brings key sections of the 2000 Act into line with Patten by enhancing the powers of the Policing Board and the ombudsman, as well as emphasising the importance of the core principle of policing with the community. It provides for secondments between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. It will also act as a catalyst in the civilianisation process by making provision for giving police powers to police support staff. Along with these legislative changes, many significant changes are also being effected in police policies and practices, including, in particular, the development of a human rights ethos.
The policing Oversight Commissioner, Mr. Tom Constantine, in his seventh report, published earlier this month, confirmed that "excellent progress" continues to be made in policing in Northern Ireland, citing in particular the improved emphasis on human rights, the success so far of the recruitment programme, the establishment of the district policing partnerships and the work of the Policing Board and the ombudsman. I would like to reiterate to the House the Government's support for these positive developments.
I would also like to reaffirm our particular support for the work of the Police Ombudsman, whose office has done so much to instil confidence among the wider public in the development of acceptable policing. The Crompton recommendations on the activities and work of special branch arose directly from the Ombudsman's investigation into the Omagh bombing. I note that in his report, the oversight commissioner also drew attention to a number of areas where more progress needs to be made. He particularly emphasises the need for improved training through the establishment of a new police college and for further reform of Special Branch, through the implementation of the Patten, Crompton and Stevens III recommendations. We have stressed to the British Government the need to make rapid progress in areas where the oversight commissioner has expressed concern.
Overall, a great deal of progress has been made in bringing about the new beginning to policing promised in the Good Friday Agreement. The Government looks forward to the continuing implementation of the necessary policing reforms – including those contained in the Patten, Crompton and Stevens recommendations and the package of measures agreed at Hillsborough – and also to Sinn Féin taking its place on the Policing Board, sooner rather than later. It is only in this context that we can have a police service that is representative of the community, that is supported by all sections of the community and that is held accountable by the chosen representatives of all sections of the community.
