“This is our first report on this issue and work is ongoing..”
Back in October last year, when a depleted Assembly and Executive Review Committee set themselves a target date to complete their discussions on the devolution of policing and justice powers, it was suggested that Sinn Féin had pulled a fast one. But, as the Irish News reported yesterday, they’re still discussing it.
Matters such as the specific status and powers of any future justice minister were meant to be dealt with in the first phase of the committee’s work programme but DUP and Sinn Fein members yesterday voted to defer those decisions for their second report.
Despite what some might believe, fundamentally, nothing has changed since deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness told the Assembly in May 2008
“However, agreement between the political parties (as you well know) remains the key determinant before detailed steps can be taken to implement devolution of justice”
Also from the Irish News report
However, DUP committee chairman Jimmy Spratt said many of the main issues had been dealt with.
“This is our first report on this issue and work is ongoing,” the South Belfast MLA said.
“We will look again at the outstanding issues when we begin work on the second phase of our work next week.”
“Despite what some might believe, fundamentally, nothing has changed since deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness told the Assembly in May 2008″
Well in fact it has – the DUP and SF agreed in November on how the matter will progress and now the quare fellah Spratt is saying that next week the DUP and SF are going to engage in the business end of the matter.
Last May we were in a “fundamentally” different place with no such agreement or agenda.
Sammy.
Give us the date—do you know?
Ulsterfan,
thats between the army council and Robbo.
Perhaps Sinn Féin are also subtly reminding Robinson of the potential price he might have to pay if he drags his feet:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/executive-lsquomust-meet-weeklyrsquo-14132160.html
There is no date.
It has been said many times, that devolution will take place when the DUP know the Unionists people have confidence, and that is what SF/IRA and everyone else has been told.
Robinson will tell us when the time is right.
We want devolution on acceptable terms to us and have nothing ro fear because it will be done right.
Roll on the day.
No date given!!!!!!Republicans out negotiated again.
What will Gerry say to the Ard Feis.
Is there a motion to be debated or is this to withdrawn from business?