§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment will be made of vetting arrangements in(a) Northern Ireland and (b) Scotland in taking forward recommendations arising from the Bichard Inquiry. [186645]
§ Ms BlearsRepresentatives from the Northern Ireland Office and the Scottish Executive sit on the Bichard Implementation Programme Board and Working Groups, taking forward the programme to implement the Bichard Report's 31 recommendations.
The work to enhance vetting procedures in the light of Sir Michael's recommendations will be considered by the Programme Board in the light of the full range of requirements, including those appertaining to Northern Ireland and Scotland.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps will be taken to include relevant organisations and bodies in Northern Ireland in taking forward recommendations arising from the Bichard Inquiry, with particular reference to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. [186646]
§ Ms BlearsThe Bichard Implementation Programme Board will oversee the work to implement all 31 of the Bichard report's recommendations. The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers has accepted an invitation to sit on the Board, convened by the Home Office as co-ordinating Department, and to liaise with Police Service of Northern Ireland on emerging issues and outcomes.
1268WRepresentatives from the Northern Ireland Office participate in the Programme Board and its feeder Working Groups. This provides a firm link into issues which are specific to Northern Ireland and a connection to other relevant organisations.