Government welcomes criminal justice system reform

The Government today welcomed what it called the major advance in the reform of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.

The statement came on Friday as Justice Oversight Commissioner Lord Clyde’s unveiled his fourth report into the criminal justice system here.

The establishment of the new Public Prosecution Service, the creation of an independent Judicial Appointments Commission, the appointment of new lay magistrates and the publication of 26 individual community safety strategies for Northern Ireland are just some of the advances that have been made during recent months and were highlighted in today’s report.

Commenting on the report, Secretary of State, Peter Hain said: “Effective reform of criminal justice is an integral and vital component of our efforts to build public confidence in the justice system.

“We are successfully building a modern, transparent and cohesive system that will serve the whole community in Northern Ireland. I, along with my Ministerial colleagues, welcome the publication of the Justice Oversight Commissioner’s fourth report in which Lord Clyde commends the significant advances made during the last six months.”

Lord Clyde was appointed as Justice Oversight Commissioner on 18 June 2003, to provide public assurance about the implementation of the Review. His first, second and third reports were published on 22 January 2004, 8 July 2004 and 20 January 2005 respectively.

(MB/KMcA)