CHIEF CONSTABLE APPEARS BEFORE COMMITTEE

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which is conducting an Inquiry into the transfer of policing and justice matters to Northern Ireland, heard evidence today from the Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and Officials from the NIO.

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

“The Committee welcomed the opportunity to explore a number of issues with the Chief Constable today including the preparation and timing of devolution, and the funding of policing post devolution. The issue of public confidence was also central to our discussions”.

“The NIO also briefed the Committee on the preparations they have been involved in with regard to the devolution of policing and justice”.

It is expected the Committee will report by February 2008 on the preparations which the Assembly has made, and needs to make, to facilitate the devolution of policing and justice matters.

Note for Editor:

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is a Standing Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Membership of the Committee is as follows:

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 meets in Parliament Buildings and visitors are welcome to attend open sessions. Members of the public are advised to check the website (archive.niassembly.gov.uk) 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:

Sinead Lee

Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521137/521396.
Fax 028 90521961.