Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., welcomes generous financial package for devolved policing and justice

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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., welcomes generous financial package for devolved policing and justice  

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., this morning welcomed the publication of the proposed financial arrangements for devolved policing and justice in Northern Ireland.

Minister Martin said:

“The publication today by the British Government of a generous financial package for devolved policing and justice is a major step forward. 

It is designed to meet the concerns expressed by the parties in key areas and should give confidence that the supports are in place to move to the next phase in the process of consolidating partnership government in Northern Ireland.

I would like to pay tribute to the engagement of all the parties in agreeing this package, but in particular to Prime Minister Brown, who stayed in touch with the Taoiseach as the discussions evolved, and Secretary of State Woodward in achieving a substantial settlement in the current challenging financial and fiscal environment.”

ENDS+++

21 October 2009

Press Office