Reforming the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Office retains control over policing and criminal justice matters. Under the first stage of devolution to the Executive and Assembly these matters were reserved. Ultimately we want to see a second stage of devolution take place whereby policing and criminal justice transfer to the Executive. Until we reach that point I, as Secretary of State, will continue to oversee the criminal justice and policing systems and ensure the reforms that will make them fit for 21st century.

Recently I drew attention to the absurd situation that sees people put in prison for defaulting on fines (often no more than £600) while those involved in multi-million pound fuel laundering are at liberty. Every day 25 to 30 prison places are taken up by fine defaulters; a disturbingly Dickensian situation which is an outrageous waste of police and prison service resources.

In dealing with this I look to the National Enforcement Service in England and Wales that has reformed the system for dealing with fine defaulters, giving Fine Enforcement Officers a range of powers including the clamping and sale of vehicles, attachment of earnings and deductions from benefits. Imprisonment should be a last resort.

During Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Week I highlighted the threat of organised crime and, in particular, the problem posed by fuel laundering. The damage done to the environment and to the economy by this illegal activity is serious and so we will liaise closely with Jane Kennedy at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in looking at proposals to review the current legislation.

Whether the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland is managed by politicians in Westminster or locally in Northern Ireland it is important it is a criminal justice system that meets the needs of people everywhere in a 21st century Northern Ireland.