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Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 18 July 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2017. It was answered by James Brokenshire (Conservative) on Friday, 21 July 2017 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Administration of Justice: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Written Statement of 17 July 2017, HCWS54, National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland, what plans he has to streamline judicial processes in Northern Ireland in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.

Answer

It is important that people can have confidence in the delivery of justice and that the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland is as efficient and effective as possible. The Government supports the commitments set out in the Fresh Start Agreement to speed up justice and support witnesses to give evidence. The Government also notes the Executive’s response to last year’s paramilitary panel report which outlined specific actions to address these points. Much of this work is underway.

Clearly, however, justice policy in Northern Ireland remains devolved and this issue underlines the importance of seeing devolved government restored in Northern Ireland. Under devolution, it is rightly for Northern Ireland political representatives to bring forward and deliver the legislation and other measures that are required to ensure the justice system performs most effectively.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5649
Session
2017-19
Related items
Subjects
Administration of justice National security Northern Ireland
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk