10/01/2012

Politicians To Discuss Department Of Justice Future

The future of Northern Ireland’s Department of Justice is due to be discussed today by political parties who will meet at Stormont.

The department will cease to exist in May if an agreement can not be found – due to the so-called sunset clause.

Alliance leader David Ford was appointed Justice Minister following the 2010 Hillsborough Castle agreement.

Mr Ford's appointment was a compromise to ensure justice powers could be transferred to Stormont from Westminster in April 2010.

The political parties are now due to meet at Stormont to discuss the future direction of the Department of Justice.

Without a deal, the Department of Justice will be dissolved on 1 May 2012. Power would return to the Northern Ireland Office. The parties must therefore reach a decision if they are to keep justice in local hands.

(LB)

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