Leslie Cree
and Lord Morrow asked Minister of Justice, David Ford, what he can do to
incorporate the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland’s justice
system during today’s Question Time. The NCA is currently prohibited from
operating in the devolved affairs of Northern Ireland. The Minister believes “there
is clearly a major gap in our ability to tackle serious and organised crime
groups as a result.” That is why the Minister is working with the PSNI, the NCA,
the Northern Ireland Office and the Home Office in an effort to resolve the
situation. Mr Ford presented a paper, composed with the co-operation of these
organisations, to the political parties, the Justice Committee and the Policing
Board setting out proposals regarding the NCA, “which should, in my view,
enable us to achieve the full operation of the agency here.” The Minister
highlighted the vulnerabilities in our justice system that could be strengthened
with the help of the NCA and added that “I will continue to urge all Members to
work constructively to reach agreement on the current proposal so that our law
enforcement agencies and our people can benefit from the skill, expertise and
resources of the NCA”.
Paul Frew
also took the opportunity to ask the Minister about the departmental funding
cut from the Railway Street Drug Arrest Referral and Harm Reduction Service. In
the last three years the department has contributed close to £1m in funding to
the service, representing approximately two thirds of the cost. The Northern
Health and Social Care Trust was first informed in October 2013 that funding
was at risk due to the changing financial climate. And in October 2014 the
Trust received the news that increasing budget pressures would see an end to
funding in January 2015. Mr Ford has met with various officials and
stakeholders regarding the decision and to consider further possibilities while
maintaining “the decision was not an easy one and was not taken lightly.
However, following the significant cuts in funding to the DOJ in-year, it has
not been possible to continue to protect front-line services”.
The Minister
also answered questions on funding awarded from seized criminal assets, the
criminal law on abortion consultation in Scotland and bullying among prison
staff. During topical questions Mr Ford also fielded queries on clay pigeon
shooting legislation, budget cuts in the Court Service and the cost of legal
aid.
