Assembly backs Justice Programme for Government

4.24.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Oct 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

The Programme for Government (PFG) for the Department of Justice has today received Assembly approval.

Justice Minister David Ford - in the post six months today - welcomed the endorsement by MLAs and said the programme sets out a number of priorities for action in the short term but also provides a framework for a longer-term agenda for change.

Speaking in the Assembly David Ford said: "Although the devolution of policing and justice powers was an important step forward, we will be judged on how this Assembly and the Executive has carried out its responsibilities for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.

"Unfortunately the events of recent weeks are a harsh reminder that there are those in our community who do not want to see devolution working. But that cannot distract us and so I bring this to the Assembly to demonstrate that devolution is making a difference."

The Hillsborough Castle Agreement required the Minister of Justice to draft an Addendum to the Programme for Government for the Department of Justice.

David Ford said: "The current Executive set itself an over-arching aim of building a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come.

"The justice priorities very much reinforce that overall strategic aim and although actions have been identified for the lifetime of the current Programme for Government, the underlying themes will help set a justice agenda for the future.

"The goals have been brigaded under five broad themes; reducing offending and dealing with its consequences; building safer communities; increasing access to justice; supporting justice in a shared future and resourcing and supporting delivery across the justice system.

"Underpinning all the work of the Department will be a focus on building a shared future. The justice system can play a positive part in helping to build that shared future working in co-operation with others and the Department of Justice will develop policies and strategies to support the Executive's wider strategy."