Vol. 491 No. 5
35 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was consulted by the British Government prior to the appointment of Mr. Chris Patten to head up the Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10521/98]
The Good Friday Agreement provides for the establishment of an independent commission to make recommendations for future policing arrangements in Northern Ireland, including means of encouraging widespread community support for these arrangements. The commission is to be broadly representative, with expert and international representation among its membership, and will be asked to consult widely and to report not later than summer 1999.
I understand that advance media publicity precipitated an announcement by the British side that Mr. Chris Patten would be chairman of the commission. The Government had not been consulted at that time about the chairmanship. The appointment of Mr. Patten has been welcomed by a range of opinion in Northern Ireland. I would add that the Government, which welcomes this appointment, has suggested a number of suitable candidates for appointment to the commission, and we remain in contact with the British side in this regard. In line with long-standing policy, it would not be appropriate for me to go in to any further detail on our nominees.
