Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the devolution of policing and criminal justice matters in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41728/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government continues to liaise closely with British Government counterparts to encourage the parties in Northern Ireland to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers as soon as possible. As I said in my address to Seanad Éireann on 3 November, the devolution of these powers to the Assembly and Executive would demonstrate to the wider world that Northern Ireland is a politically stable place with a normal policing and security infrastructure. In its latest report, the International Monitoring Commission noted that early progress on devolution of policing and justice powers could prove 'a potent intervention' against those who are seeking to destabilise the North through violence.

I welcome the fact that many of the preparations for the transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Stormont are advancing. Legislation to establish a devolved Department of Justice is making its way through the Assembly. The agreement on a significant financial package, brokered by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, provides a secure basis for making progress on this important issue.