Review of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland
Government welcomes Review of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland
The Government welcome the publication today of the Review of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland. As provided in the Good Friday Agreement, this Review was carried out by the British Government through a mechanism with an independent element.
The Good Friday Agreement establishes the following aims for the criminal justice system:
- to deliver a fair and impartial system of justice to the community;
- to be responsive to the communitys concerns, and encouraging community involvement where possible;
- to have the confidence of all parts of the community;
- to deliver justice efficiently and effectively.
The Report of the Review Group provides a comprehensive and wide-ranging view of the Northern Ireland criminal justice system, other than policing and those aspects of the system relating to emergency legislation. The Review Group has consulted widely and has availed itself of an impressive amount of research to underpin the expertise of its members. This is clearly reflected in the analysis and recommendations in the report.
The criminal justice system directly affects very many people and there are sharply divergent views about its operation. The Government understand therefore that not everyone will agree with all the recommendations of the Review Group. There will undoubtedly be disappointment that some significant recommendations will not take effect in the short term.
Nevertheless, the Government are of the view that these recommendations, taken as a whole, outline a programme which, when fully implemented, will contribute towards achieving a criminal justice system consistent with the aims set out in the Good Friday Agreement.
The Report also contains recommendations for structured cooperation between the criminal justice agencies on both parts of the island. The two Governments consulted closely on the contents of this chapter, and the Government are confident that the proposals contained in it will lead to the enhancement of the on-going cooperation between the relevant agencies on this island.
Early and effective implementation of the Review Groups recommendations will make a positive contribution to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as a whole. A period of consultation with the political parties, and between the Governments, will now begin on the implementation of these recommendations. The Government look forward to participating in a positive spirit in these discussions, and urge the political parties and all others interested in consolidating peace in Northern Ireland to do likewise.
Ends.