Ford reaffirms commitment to reforming justice system

4.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Sep 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has reaffirmed his commitment to provide a 'justice system for all' through the opportunities presented by devolution.

Addressing delegates at a conference organised by the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) David Ford outlined the improvements in the criminal justice system since the publication of the Criminal Justice Review in 2000, but acknowledged that further reform was needed.

He said: "The outworking of the Criminal Justice Review fundamentally changed the structure and delivery of justice in Northern Ireland.

"A common thread though all of the Review Team's recommendations was a commitment to promoting equality and human rights. This is a critical issue. Everyone who comes into contact with the criminal justice system must be treated equitably and have their rights respected."

Looking to the future, the Minister outlined the importance of maximising the benefits of devolution.

He said: "The devolution of policing and justice presents an opportunity to reshape the justice system, ensuring that we have a 'justice system for all' and one that fits the needs of the people of Northern Ireland.

"We now have an opportunity to produce our own home-grown legislation and it is my intention to introduce a Justice Bill to the Assembly in the next few weeks.

"While it is just a start, the content of the Bill does reflect priority areas for change that have been identified locally.

"It will cover a number of areas including improving services for victims and witnesses; building stronger and safer communities; increasing confidence in the criminal justice system; and, making changes to allow cases to be dealt with more quickly in the justice system."

The Minister told delegates that improving the justice system could not be achieved by his Department in isolation and others have a role to play.

He said: "In the field of justice there are many challenges ahead, and the current financial climate will not make things any easier, but by working together we can ensure that devolution makes a difference to all the people of Northern Ireland."