Woodward set for talks at Stormont

Shaun Woodward is discussing devolution of policing and justice with Assembly members
12 April 2012

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward is due to meet Stormont Assembly members who are planning for the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster.

It will be the first meeting of its kind for Mr Woodward since the Hillsborough Castle Agreement, unveiled earlier this month, resolved the stand-off between unionists and republicans on the issue.

Nearly two weeks of round-the-clock talks between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein secured the deal that should see the transfer of the powers by April 12.

The Hillsborough agreement also laid out plans for an overhaul of the system for overseeing controversial parades to allow for greater local involvement in securing accommodations.

Mr Woodward will meet members of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee at Parliament Buildings.

In earlier encounters between the Secretary of State and the committee there had been clashes with unionists concerned over the cost of devolving the powers and establishing a new Department of Justice at Stormont.

But the Government has since tabled a near £1 billion package to fund the move.

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which has been carrying out long-running investigations into how a Justice Department should operate, will meet Mr Woodward this morning.

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are due to meet the Committee this afternoon.

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