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02/11/2005
Ministers assure no 'two-tier' justice system
Secretary of State Peter Hain has given an "absolute assurance" that community restorative justice schemes will not become an alternative to policing.
Speaking after a meeting with the Policing Board in Belfast on Tuesday Mr Hain said he wanted to "nail the rumour" that community restorative justice was some kind of alternative to policing".
"This system can only work with the full confidence of police and the criminal justice system, no ifs, no buts, full stop. People spreading rumours about it do themselves no service and the cause of justice in our communities no justice," Mr Hain said.
"This is about a structure in which the police are involved, and are supportive. It's an established part of the criminal justice system."
Meanwhile, Criminal Justice Minister, David Hanson, said there was absolutely no question of the Government approving a two-tier system of justice.
In a written Ministerial statement to Parliament on Wednesday Mr Hanson also said that Restorative Justice Schemes will not be able to operate without PSNI involvement.
“I am aware of the concerns that are being expressed regarding community-based restorative justice schemes," the Minister said.
"There is absolutely no question of the Government approving such schemes without the involvement of the PSNI. Any rumour to the contrary is completely without foundation. The Government will not approve a two tier system of justice.”
Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly is believed to have raised the issue with Mr Hanson during a meeting at Stormont Castle on Tuesday.
The meeting was originally intended to deal with regeneration efforts at the former Girdwood military base in North Belfast.
(MB/SP)
Speaking after a meeting with the Policing Board in Belfast on Tuesday Mr Hain said he wanted to "nail the rumour" that community restorative justice was some kind of alternative to policing".
"This system can only work with the full confidence of police and the criminal justice system, no ifs, no buts, full stop. People spreading rumours about it do themselves no service and the cause of justice in our communities no justice," Mr Hain said.
"This is about a structure in which the police are involved, and are supportive. It's an established part of the criminal justice system."
Meanwhile, Criminal Justice Minister, David Hanson, said there was absolutely no question of the Government approving a two-tier system of justice.
In a written Ministerial statement to Parliament on Wednesday Mr Hanson also said that Restorative Justice Schemes will not be able to operate without PSNI involvement.
“I am aware of the concerns that are being expressed regarding community-based restorative justice schemes," the Minister said.
"There is absolutely no question of the Government approving such schemes without the involvement of the PSNI. Any rumour to the contrary is completely without foundation. The Government will not approve a two tier system of justice.”
Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly is believed to have raised the issue with Mr Hanson during a meeting at Stormont Castle on Tuesday.
The meeting was originally intended to deal with regeneration efforts at the former Girdwood military base in North Belfast.
(MB/SP)
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