Protecting Northern Ireland's Community Halls

Last year in Northern Ireland there was a sharp increase in the number of reported attacks on community halls which has rightly been condemned by all political parties. Whereas this year we have seen a marked reduction in the levels of attacks, it is nonetheless important that the government take action where necessary to protect these important facilities.

The significant increase in policing to protect against further attacks is to be welcomed and, whilst there has been a noticeable decline in recent months, I believe that we all have a responsibility to protect community halls from this kind of wanton vandalism.

Having met with representatives of the Orange Order, I announced today that I intend to use legislation to introduce a statutory compensation scheme for criminal attacks on community halls.

It is very important that the insurance industry continue to do everything possible to help, but it now seems appropriate for the Government to step in and help those organisations which are being victimised by criminals.

Therefore I intend to publish draft legislation and a consultation paper in June, which will amend legislation and introduce a specific change to provide a statutory compensation scheme for those community halls which are the victims of this kind of attacks.

This consultation paper will propose a new criterion in the Criminal Damage Order specific to community halls that are eligible for rates relief – including Orange Halls – which would ensure that attacks would generate an entitlement for statutory compensation.

It is important for the majority of law abiding people in Northern Ireland to stand up against this kind of deplorable activity. And I would ask all the political parties and community organisations to support the proposed legislation.