PRESS RELEASE

03 July2007

AER 03/07

  ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON THE TRANSFER OF POLICING AND JUSTICE MATTERS

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which is conducting an Inquiry into the transfer of policing and justice matters, was briefed, today, by officials from the NIO.

Speaking after the meeting, the Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson, MP, Chairperson of the Committee, said:

“The Committee had asked for a briefing to inform its approach to the Inquiry it is conducting into the transfer of policing and justice matters.”

Mr Donaldson confirmed that the Committee would be inviting written submissions to its Inquiry by 17 August. Mr Donaldson went on to explain that:

“The Committee will be looking, specifically, at the detail of the matters to be devolved, the ministerial model, and the preparations which the Assembly has made, and needs to make, to facilitate the devolution of policing and justice matters.”

Mr Donaldson stressed that it would also be important for the Committee to consider, and report on, whether it is likely that the Assembly would make a request for the devolution of policing and justice matters before 1 May 2008.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has established a Standing Committee to be known as the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

Chairperson:	Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson, MP
Deputy Chairperson:	Mr Raymond McCartney
Committee Members:	Mr Alex Attwood
	Mrs Carmel Hanna
	Mr Danny Kennedy
	Mr Nelson McCausland
	Mr Ian McCrea
	Mr Alan McFarland
	Ms Carál Ní Chuilín
	Mr John O’Dowd
	Mr George Robinson

The Committee will meet in Parliament Buildings and visitors are welcome to attend open sessions. Members of the public are advised to check the website for details of meetings prior to arriving at Parliament Buildings.

For further information on the work of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, please contact:
Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521137/521396.
Fax 028 90521961.