26/11/2014

Justice Minister 'Not Opposed' To Cross-Border Inquiry

Justice Minister David Ford said he is "not opposed" to the principle of a cross-border inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse carried out by members of the republican movement.

It follows reports that the Republic Of Ireland's Taoiseach Enda Kenny, asked the South's Minister for Justice to broach the topic with Minister Ford.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Mr Ford said that while he was not opposed to a cross-border inquiry, a number of inquiries are currently underway in Northern Ireland, and should be allowed to run their course.

Speaking on the programme, Mr Ford said: "There are a lot of different threads, and before there can be any over-arching inquiry we need to see that those are carried through by the responsible justice agencies North and South so that victims are supported and perpetrators are prosecuted where it is at all possible."

(MH/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 April 2024
Economy Minister Launches Latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, has announced the launch of the latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme for students in Northern Ireland. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate programme. The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus.
21 July 2011
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
18 July 2014
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
02 April 2024
Education Minister Welcomes Progress On Teacher's Pay
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has welcomed further progress on a pay settlement for teachers following the Department of Finance's approval of the pay award. All five recognised teachers' unions (INTO, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UTU) have signalled their acceptance of the teachers' pay offer for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.