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08/01/2008
Local Policing Powers Target Date Recedes
While Unionists have insisted the IRA Army Council would have to be completely disbanded before enough confidence exists for the proposed devolution of policing and justice powers, the issue is being discussed at high level today.
PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, will brief an Assembly committee on the possible transfer of policing and justice powers.
He will meet the Assembly and Executive Review Committee at Stormont amid signs that the proposed devolution of policing and justice powers will not happen by the target date of May.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has identified the transfer of powers from the Northern Ireland Office to a new Stormont Justice Ministry as a key target during 2008.
However the British Government has also accepted that this objective, which Mr Woodward characterises as the last piece in the devolution jigsaw, may not happen by May.
Stormont First Minister and Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley has expressed doubt as to whether his community would have sufficient confidence to allow the transfer of powers to take place.
They have also been concerned about claims that Provisional IRA members were involved in the murder last October of South Armagh man Paul Quinn over the border in County Monaghan.
Sinn Fein regard the transfer of policing and justice responsibilities as crucial and claim it was a key factor in influencing the party last year to participate in policing in Northern Ireland.
The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is chaired by Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson and has a Sinn Fein deputy chairman Raymond McCartney.
The Ulster Unionists and the nationalist SDLP are also involved on the committee.
(BMcC)
PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, will brief an Assembly committee on the possible transfer of policing and justice powers.
He will meet the Assembly and Executive Review Committee at Stormont amid signs that the proposed devolution of policing and justice powers will not happen by the target date of May.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has identified the transfer of powers from the Northern Ireland Office to a new Stormont Justice Ministry as a key target during 2008.
However the British Government has also accepted that this objective, which Mr Woodward characterises as the last piece in the devolution jigsaw, may not happen by May.
Stormont First Minister and Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley has expressed doubt as to whether his community would have sufficient confidence to allow the transfer of powers to take place.
They have also been concerned about claims that Provisional IRA members were involved in the murder last October of South Armagh man Paul Quinn over the border in County Monaghan.
Sinn Fein regard the transfer of policing and justice responsibilities as crucial and claim it was a key factor in influencing the party last year to participate in policing in Northern Ireland.
The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is chaired by Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson and has a Sinn Fein deputy chairman Raymond McCartney.
The Ulster Unionists and the nationalist SDLP are also involved on the committee.
(BMcC)
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DUP Says No To 'Powers' Devolution
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There can be no transfer of policing and justice powers to the Assembly while the IRA Army Council exists, the two most senior Democratic Unionists have insisted.
15 October 2009
SDLP Sees 'No Deal' On Policing
Weeks of frantic shuttle diplomacy involving meetings in London, New York, Belfast and Dublin on a settlement for the devolution of policing and justice to Stormont have to date come to nothing. The SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan said this afternoon "there is still no timeline" for any settlement.
SDLP Sees 'No Deal' On Policing
Weeks of frantic shuttle diplomacy involving meetings in London, New York, Belfast and Dublin on a settlement for the devolution of policing and justice to Stormont have to date come to nothing. The SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan said this afternoon "there is still no timeline" for any settlement.
25 February 2008
Donaldson Rules Out Policing Powers In May
As expected, Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party has ruled out the devolution of policing and justice powers within the proposed 10-week timescale.
Donaldson Rules Out Policing Powers In May
As expected, Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party has ruled out the devolution of policing and justice powers within the proposed 10-week timescale.
12 November 2001
Devolution of powers on policing and justice set for 2003
The British Government has published an intensive implementation plan to enable the transfer of powers responsible for policing and justice in Northern Ireland from Westminster to Stormont by May 2003.
Devolution of powers on policing and justice set for 2003
The British Government has published an intensive implementation plan to enable the transfer of powers responsible for policing and justice in Northern Ireland from Westminster to Stormont by May 2003.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
