§ 28. Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has received concerning the implementation of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000. [149976]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government are engaged in frequent dialogue with a range of individuals and bodies on the implementation of the Police Act as well as those changes recommended by the Independent Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland (Patten) which do not require legislation. On the Act specifically, some provisions came into force on Royal Assent, others, such as the Police Ombudsman sections, were commenced in December. We are now preparing a further Commencement Order.
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§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on delivering reforms in policing in Northern Ireland. [149961]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government and the police have made significant progress in a number of areas. These include the enactment of the Police (NI) Act 2000; the appointment of an Oversight Commissioner; publication of an Implementation Plan, detailing the Government's response on all 175 recommendations made by the Independent Commission on Policing (Patten); establishment of the Police Ombudsman's Office; appointment of a recruitment agency; launch of recruitment advertising; and closure of two of the three holding centres.