Minister welcomes the Publication of the draft Implementation Plan and Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill
I welcome the publication today by the British Government of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill and the draft Implementation Plan relating to the review of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.
As provided in the Good Friday Agreement, the review was carried out by the British Government through a group composed of officials and independent experts.
Taken together with the new beginning to policing, I consider that full implementation of the recommendations of the review will contribute to bringing about a fair and impartial criminal justice system which can command the confidence of all parts of the community and which is consistent with the other aims set out in the Good Friday Agreement. The Bill and Implementation Plan are important elements in this process.
The British Government has announced that the draft Implementation Plan and the Bill will be the subject of further consultation between now and December 12.
We look forward to working closely with the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland with the aim of bringing about the full implementation of the Review's recommendations.
