§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, while respecting the independence of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, they will give sufficient encouragement to that body to resolve the Garvaghy Road impasse. [HL4048]
§ Baroness AmosThe Government have given and continue to support everyone who has made genuine efforts to resolve the Drumcree dispute. The Government will continue to assist anyone who remains committed to finding a permanent solution which accommodates both traditions, and consigns the current impasse to history
§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the cost to the taxpayer of the security arrangements at Drumcree and Portadown on the first Sunday in July 2004. [HL4049]
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§ Baroness AmosThe PSNI costs of security arrangements at Drumcree and Portadown in the first Sunday July 2004 was £177,437. The costs of military support were contained within the Army's normal operational budget.
§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the cost to the taxpayer of the security arrangements on the occasion of the parades of Portadown Loyal Orange Lodge No. 1 to Drumcree Church in 2003 and 2004. [HL4050]
§ Baroness AmosThe PSNI costs of security arrangements for the parades of Portadown Loyal Orange Lodge No. 1 to Drumcree Church in 2003 and 2004 were £221,810 and £177,437 respectively. The costs of military support were contained within the Army's normal operational budget.
§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many Police Service of Northern Ireland officers and Army personnel were involved in the Portadown area on "Drumcree Sunday" 2004. [HL4051]
§ Baroness AmosThere were 375 PSNI officers on duty in connection with the Drumcree parade held on 4 July 2004.
It is not possible to readily distinguish the number of Army personnel available in the Portadown area on Drumcree Sunday from the wider deployment of military personnel in support of the Police Service of Northern Ireland during the marching season.
§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to review the mandate under which the Parades Commission (Northern Ireland) operates at present. [HL4052]
§ Baroness AmosWe are currently formulating policy on future parades legislation and structures and will be bringing forward proposals later in the year. In the interim period the Government will remain open to further suggestions on possible improvements.