Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As Deputy Gilmore will be aware, progress continues to be made on this matter and the passage of the necessary legislation at Westminster two weeks ago was an important step in this regard. It is also important that all the political parties continue to engage proactively through the Assembly committee to move the issue forward, and that is happening.

Both the Irish and British Governments remain fully committed to seeing the devolution of policing and justice brought to a conclusion. As I said, it is a matter of continuing discussion between the parties directly and I welcome the fact that they have found a means to do that. I believe it is important that the transfer of policing and devolution continues as envisaged and takes place as quickly as possible so that the people of Northern Ireland will know that this issue is being addressed by the people who are best capable of doing so, that is, the local representatives themselves.

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