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04/07/2013
HET Report 'Raises Serious Issues' - Ford
Justice Minister David Ford has said an inspection of the Historical Enquiries Team that showed it treated killings involving the State less seriously than killings not involving the State raises "serious and important issues".
The report was commissioned by the Minister following a request by Chief Constable Matt Baggott last year.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) report includes a total of 20 recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of the HET.
Minister Ford said that while much work is required to improve the effectiveness of the HET, the report also raises significant questions as to how the past is dealt with.
"The Chief Constable has accepted all the recommendations in full and I welcome his commitment to work closely with the Policing Board to ensure the recommendations are implemented," he said.
"While raising their obvious concerns, the Board has also set out its commitment to ensuring effective governance arrangements are put in place.
"The responses today have shown the desire by all to ensure these issues are addressed. I will be meeting with the Chief Constable and the Policing Board to discuss the report and the work being done to address the issues raised. My Department will continue to support them both to ensure the HET is fit for purpose."
But the Minister said the HMIC report also recognised "the positive impact of the HET in bringing some degree of resolution for families."
"Dealing with the past is a difficult and complex issue," Mr Ford said.
"There will be no easy solution. This is not solely a justice and policing challenge. It is also for others across government and civic society. I look forward to the establishment of the all-party working group to deal with issues including the past."
Commenting on the report, the Chief Constable said: "The report has raised significant concerns which I and my colleagues are taking very seriously. I have already met with the Policing Board this morning.
"Let me say at the outset that I am sorry that HET put in place a policy that was wrong. I accept the recommendations of the HMIC Report in full and I will work with the Board on ensuring their delivery."
(IT)
The report was commissioned by the Minister following a request by Chief Constable Matt Baggott last year.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) report includes a total of 20 recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of the HET.
Minister Ford said that while much work is required to improve the effectiveness of the HET, the report also raises significant questions as to how the past is dealt with.
"The Chief Constable has accepted all the recommendations in full and I welcome his commitment to work closely with the Policing Board to ensure the recommendations are implemented," he said.
"While raising their obvious concerns, the Board has also set out its commitment to ensuring effective governance arrangements are put in place.
"The responses today have shown the desire by all to ensure these issues are addressed. I will be meeting with the Chief Constable and the Policing Board to discuss the report and the work being done to address the issues raised. My Department will continue to support them both to ensure the HET is fit for purpose."
But the Minister said the HMIC report also recognised "the positive impact of the HET in bringing some degree of resolution for families."
"Dealing with the past is a difficult and complex issue," Mr Ford said.
"There will be no easy solution. This is not solely a justice and policing challenge. It is also for others across government and civic society. I look forward to the establishment of the all-party working group to deal with issues including the past."
Commenting on the report, the Chief Constable said: "The report has raised significant concerns which I and my colleagues are taking very seriously. I have already met with the Policing Board this morning.
"Let me say at the outset that I am sorry that HET put in place a policy that was wrong. I accept the recommendations of the HMIC Report in full and I will work with the Board on ensuring their delivery."
(IT)
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