§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
To what extent they plan consultation with the men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in any process of reform in the organisation or reorganisation of the police service in Northern Ireland. [HL1976]
§ Lord DubsThe Good Friday Agreement provides for the establishment of the independent Commission on Policing and states that it will be asked to consult widely. The Government expect that the Commission will include the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Police Authority and the three police staff associations in its consultations. The Chief Constable, Chairman of the Police Authority and Police Federation have already indicated that they will be making submissions to the Commission. The Good Friday Agreement also provides that the Secretary of State will consult the political parties and the Irish Government on the independent Commission's proposals. She will of course also consult the RUC, the Police Authority and the three police staff associations. In addition, changes where appropriate will be subject to the normal negotiating and consultation mechanisms.