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Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 2008

Like other noble Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing this order and for the manner in which he introduced it. He made a convincing case. I have just one query, and it may not be possible for him to deal with it this afternoon. From our discussions today, and in the other place, it is clear that there are matters of considerable sensitivity here. An issue that was raised in the other place but not, so far as I am aware, fully responded to by the Government was, in the event of the devolution of policing and justice powers in Northern Ireland—the day for that seems to be drawing quite near—what happens to the Secretary of State’s power to specify an organisation? From our discussions, it can be seen that these are complicated and difficult matters. I am not clear—perhaps I should be—and I know others are not clear about what happens to the Secretary of State’s power in this matter. Will it become a devolved matter or will it remain with the Secretary of State?