Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding independent policing in Northern Ireland; the contacts and discussions he has had in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27939/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Patten report recommended the establishment of a human rights-orientated, community police force in Northern Ireland. The force was to be democratically accountable and reflective of the community it served. In his latest report, the oversight commissioner, who monitors the implementation of the Patten reforms, stated that 65% of the recommendations had been fully implemented and that overall progress was very satisfactory. The main obstacles to full implementation of the vision of Patten were a lack of full support from the community and the ongoing street disturbances associated with the marching season.

I have had meetings with many of the key stakeholders in policing in Northern Ireland, including the Chief Constable, the Police Ombudsman, members of the policing board and district policing partnerships. I concur with the Oversight Commissioner for Policing, Al Hutchinson, in his assessment that a new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland is well under way. I have also consistently underlined the need for all parties to give their support to the new policing arrangements.

In the context of local policing, the British Government has also stated that it is considering introducing community support officers in Northern Ireland. These officers would carry out patrols and exercise certain limited functions in dealing with anti-social behaviour but would not have the powers of a fully-fledged police officer. The British authorities have stated that recruits would be subject to the same vetting as regular police officers. In line with its commitment to the full implementation of the Patten report, the Government will be in continuing discussion with the British Government on this and other aspects of policing.