![]() The Base 2 project run by the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, which works for the reintegration of individuals into the community, shows that the number of referrals to NIACRO has increased steadily year on year. That is far from the case, and some statistics show that the opposite has happened. They may think that punishment beatings, expulsions and evictions by intimidation have disappeared. Most people think that, with the ceasefire and the ending of violence in Northern Ireland, many problems have gone away. That disappointing delay can be explained partly by the intervention of the election and the summer recess, but eight months cannot be entirely explained away. ![]() Disappointingly, the Government did not respond to our report until the beginning of December, eight months after the report was published, and well beyond the deadlines that Government set themselves. The inquiry was launched in 2000 evidence was taken then, and at the beginning of 2001. During this Session, that was printed with the Government's response in the fourth special report. I am happy that the executive supported the Committee's inquiry, and provided a response, for which we are grateful. One problem with the new devolved institution in Northern Ireland is the involvement of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in providing support for victims who have been removed from their homes. The report inevitably touched on devolved matters. I am trying hard to follow his difficult act. I pay tribute to him on behalf of my colleagues for the sensitive and light touch with which he handled the Select Committee for five years-I am not allowed to notice him in the Public Gallery today. Friends know, but not everyone will know, that the report was prepared before the last general election, and therefore not under my chairmanship but under that of my noble Friend Lord Brooke. It is important that the subject is aired, and if we cannot air it on the Floor of the House, it is as well to do so here. ![]() First, I thank the Liaison Committee for allowing the debate. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |