Board Chair gives evidence at NI Affairs Committee
Tuesday, 26 January, 2010
The Chairman of the Policing Board (the Board), Barry Gilligan yesterday (25 January) addressed an oral evidence session of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. The Committee are currently meeting in Belfast to discuss the issue of the devolution of policing and justice.
Speaking after the session Mr Gilligan said:
"I advised the Committee that the Board is supportive of the devolution of policing and justice powers but highlighted 2 key principles which were previously agreed by all Board Members and accepted by the Assembly and Executive Committee; that (i) the role and powers of the Board should not be diminished or changed and the Chief Constable should remain accountable solely to the Board for the delivery of a policing service in Northern Ireland; and (ii) the Chief Constable's operational responsibility should not be undermined when policing and justice are devolved.
The Board continues to move forward on policing and the new arrangements for policing and justice will provide for greater accountability, with a local Minister and Assembly Committee in place. With the involvement of greater political representation this can only enhance further public confidence in policing."
