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15/06/2006
Final criminal justice report published
The sixth and final report outlining changes to the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland has today been published.
Lord Clyde, who was responsible for compiling the report, said politicians would have to deliver devolution in order to allow all 300 recommended changes to be implemented.
While the report praised the efforts of criminal justice agencies in making the changes, Lord Clyde added that something had to be done to tackle the delays in court proceedings.
These changes, which were highlighted in the Good Friday Agreement, include the introduction of a new Public Prosecution Service and more training in human rights.
Lord Clyde said that so far most of his recommendations had been implemented, which he considered to be a "milestone for the justice system."
However there are still around 12 outstanding recommendations, which cannot be dealt with until an all-party power-sharing government is reinstated.
In June 2003, Lord Clyde was appointed for three years as Justice Oversight Commissioner, to provide public assurance about the implementation of the Review.
He is required by his Terms of Reference to report to the Ministerial Trilateral on a six-monthly basis on the progress achieved.
In keeping with his Terms of Reference, the Justice Oversight Commissioner submitted his sixth and final report on the progress on implementation of the Criminal Justice Review to the Secretary of State, Peter Hain, the Attorney General, the Rt. Hon The Lord Goldsmith QC and the Minister for the Northern Ireland Court Service, Bridget Prentice MP, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.
Commenting on the report, the Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP today said that Northern Ireland now had a criminal justice system fit for the twenty first century - a world-class system, one that will engender vital public confidence and fulfil our obligation to the people of Northern Ireland.
He said: “Over the past three years, the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland has gone through major transformation, both institutionally and operationally. The internal impetus to reform has increased as a result of the Criminal justice Review implementation, and a culture of continuous improvement has been fostered. This must be nurtured and encouraged, and we fully intend to continue to meet that challenge.”
Commenting on behalf of his ministerial colleagues, The Rt. Hon The Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General and The Rt. Hon The Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, the Secretary of State said: “We welcome the publication of the Justice Oversight Commissioner’s sixth and final report which acknowledges and endorses the remarkable progress we have achieved in implementing the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review.
“We are delighted to note that Lord Clyde’s final report confirms that 79% of the Review has been implemented, with the majority of those remaining being dependent on the devolution of responsibility of criminal justice matters. This report coincides with the conclusion of Lord Clyde’s three-year appointment and it is a fitting note on which to end.
“His independence, integrity and thoroughness throughout his whole oversight task has undoubtedly contributed to the pace of progress of reform and helped bolster public confidence. We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication Lord Clyde has shown and we wish him well.”
The publication of this report falls within Highlighting Criminal Justice Week - 12 to 16 June, a programme of daily events featuring - Crime Prevention; Community Services; Tackling Anti-Social behaviour; Highlighting Performance; CJSNI Annual Stakeholder Conference – Partnership Working; and the first Criminal Justice Awards in Northern Ireland.
(EF/GB)
Lord Clyde, who was responsible for compiling the report, said politicians would have to deliver devolution in order to allow all 300 recommended changes to be implemented.
While the report praised the efforts of criminal justice agencies in making the changes, Lord Clyde added that something had to be done to tackle the delays in court proceedings.
These changes, which were highlighted in the Good Friday Agreement, include the introduction of a new Public Prosecution Service and more training in human rights.
Lord Clyde said that so far most of his recommendations had been implemented, which he considered to be a "milestone for the justice system."
However there are still around 12 outstanding recommendations, which cannot be dealt with until an all-party power-sharing government is reinstated.
In June 2003, Lord Clyde was appointed for three years as Justice Oversight Commissioner, to provide public assurance about the implementation of the Review.
He is required by his Terms of Reference to report to the Ministerial Trilateral on a six-monthly basis on the progress achieved.
In keeping with his Terms of Reference, the Justice Oversight Commissioner submitted his sixth and final report on the progress on implementation of the Criminal Justice Review to the Secretary of State, Peter Hain, the Attorney General, the Rt. Hon The Lord Goldsmith QC and the Minister for the Northern Ireland Court Service, Bridget Prentice MP, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.
Commenting on the report, the Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP today said that Northern Ireland now had a criminal justice system fit for the twenty first century - a world-class system, one that will engender vital public confidence and fulfil our obligation to the people of Northern Ireland.
He said: “Over the past three years, the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland has gone through major transformation, both institutionally and operationally. The internal impetus to reform has increased as a result of the Criminal justice Review implementation, and a culture of continuous improvement has been fostered. This must be nurtured and encouraged, and we fully intend to continue to meet that challenge.”
Commenting on behalf of his ministerial colleagues, The Rt. Hon The Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General and The Rt. Hon The Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, the Secretary of State said: “We welcome the publication of the Justice Oversight Commissioner’s sixth and final report which acknowledges and endorses the remarkable progress we have achieved in implementing the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review.
“We are delighted to note that Lord Clyde’s final report confirms that 79% of the Review has been implemented, with the majority of those remaining being dependent on the devolution of responsibility of criminal justice matters. This report coincides with the conclusion of Lord Clyde’s three-year appointment and it is a fitting note on which to end.
“His independence, integrity and thoroughness throughout his whole oversight task has undoubtedly contributed to the pace of progress of reform and helped bolster public confidence. We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication Lord Clyde has shown and we wish him well.”
The publication of this report falls within Highlighting Criminal Justice Week - 12 to 16 June, a programme of daily events featuring - Crime Prevention; Community Services; Tackling Anti-Social behaviour; Highlighting Performance; CJSNI Annual Stakeholder Conference – Partnership Working; and the first Criminal Justice Awards in Northern Ireland.
(EF/GB)
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