Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Thursday, 29 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 November 2009. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 9 November 2009 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Police: Devolution

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has agreed with the First and Deputy First Ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive a date for the proposed devolution of powers for criminal justice and policing matters to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Answer: The Government believe that the time is right for the Northern Ireland Assembly to complete the process of devolution by requesting the transfer of policing and justice powers. However, the actual timing of devolution remains for the Assembly itself to decide upon, as set out in section 4 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Progress continues to be made towards the completion of devolution and I believe that the financial package set out by the Prime Minister should enable the parties to move forward with the process.

Secondary information