Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 15 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2004. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in prosecuting (a) loyalist and (b) republican paramilitaries who have carried out punishment beatings and shootings.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in prosecuting (a) loyalist and (b) republican paramilitaries who have carried out punishment beatings and shootings. [148982] Jane Kennedy: It is not possible to provide details of the number of persons arrested or charged for such offences as the offences which they have been charged with are defined as assault occasioning actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm. Police statistics do not identify whether such crimes were the result of paramilitary attacks. Police investigations into these crimes are often hampered by the victims' reluctance to co-operate with them.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c721W;417 c720W; 148982
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Crimes of violence Northern Ireland Prosecutions Proscribed organisations Police Service of Northern Ireland Terrorism Violence
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk