Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on this Deputy's concerns regarding the activities of MI5 and the peace process; the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will ensure the maximum support is given for the peoples peace process. [27565/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The question of appropriate accountability mechanisms for the activities of the police and security services is of particular importance. Specifically in the context of the decision of the British Government to transfer primacy for national security matters in Northern Ireland to MI5 from 2007, the Government shares concerns that have been raised, including those recently expressed by the Oversight Commissioner for policing. In his latest report, the Oversight Commissioner confirmed that the primary institutions of policing — the Policing Board, the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman — have largely accomplished the implementation of Patten and have demonstrated their ability to fulfil their governance and accountability mandates. However, with regard to the envisaged primacy role of MI5, he expresses concern that this might diminish the robust accountability mechanisms currently in place and might affect the ability of the Police Service to combat organised crime effectively.

I raised this issue with the Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP at the meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in May. The British Government indicated that it is prepared to discuss further with the political parties in Northern Ireland and with the Irish Government the exact details of how the new arrangements will work in practice. Discussions have also taken place between my officials and their British counterparts with a view to ensuring that adequate accountability mechanisms remain in place, and that the Police Ombudsman continues to have jurisdiction over the actions of police officers seconded to MI5. Protocols are currently being agreed between the office of the Ombudsman and the security service to facilitate this. In the context of the current political process, the two Governments are making every possible effort to ensure the restoration of devolved institutions to Northern Ireland by 24 November. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair jointly set out a detailed programme of work to this end on 29 June, including provision for discussions with the parties on support for, and devolution of, policing. This will be an important opportunity for the political parties in Northern Ireland to raise their concerns on the issue of MI5 primacy and appropriate accountability mechanisms. With regard to the person mentioned, the PSNI have stated that they will begin proceedings to request his extradition from the United States.