10/01/2002

Policing Board remain committed to Omagh and Ombudsman’s report

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has held its first meeting of the New Year in Belfast.

As expected the meeting on Wednesday January 9 focused primarily on the Police Ombudsman’s highly critical report of the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s procedural investigation into the 1998 Real IRA bomb which killed 29 people.

Members of the 19 strong Policing Board agreed to address the six recommendations proposed by the Police Ombudsman into improving communication and procedures within the new Police Service of Northern Ireland (formerly known as Royal Ulster Constabulary).

Members also agreed to schedule meetings with the Ombudsman, Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the families of those bereaved and wounded from the Omagh bomb.

Speaking after the Board’s first meeting of 2002, Chairman Des Rea said: “The Board have always said that we will take a robust approach to tackling all the issues pertinent to the Ombudsman’s Report. We will not shirk from our responsibilities in this regard.

“It remains our task to ensure that policing is fully accountable and transparent. From this meeting it is clear that this Board is totally committed to that task. But we also remain fully aware of the major sensitivities of the report and will give it full and proper consideration.”

Speaking after the meeting the SDLP’s Eddie McGrady said: “It is becoming clear that the six recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Report are the basis to build confidence in the Omagh murder investigation and in the future of policing.” (AMcE)

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