News
11th November 09
11/11/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has said that Northern Ireland is not ready for the devolution of policing and justice citing the increase in dissident activity and lack or resources as reasoning.
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has said that Northern Ireland is not ready for the devolution of policing and justice citing the increase in dissident activity and lack or resources as reasoning.
Commenting during the Consideration Stage of the Department of Justice Bill the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said that the timing was all wrong for the introduction of legislation.
"Today in the House we are moving forward the process of the devolution of policing and justice - I feel that the timing of this is completely inappropriate.
"The upsurge in dissident activity in Northern Ireland is sinister and one that needs to be addressed. This added to the lack of resources to deal with the problem means that now is not the right time for devolution. The IMC report published last week verified this and the Chief Constable Matt Baggott has himself admitted that the threat posed by dissidents is at an all time high.
"Indeed police resources over the last number of years have already endured a reduction of in the region of 50 per cent. In this context how can we safeguard community confidence?
"In the media over the last few weeks we have witnessed the issue of policing and justice battered around the political arena - but the fact remains. No cross party talks have taken place on the issue and the UUP have been given no indication on how the process will move forward. How are we going to deal with parading for example - and exactly what powers would the Justice Minister have?
"While questions like this remain unanswered, I would once again question if now is the right time for the devolution for policing and justice."
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