Northern Ireland: National Crime Agency Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Wales Office

Northern Ireland: National Crime Agency

Lord McAvoy Excerpts
Tuesday 4th November 2014

(10 years ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Randerson Portrait Baroness Randerson
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State discussed these issues with the political parties last week as part of the wider issues that were being discussed.

Lord McAvoy Portrait Lord McAvoy (Lab)
- Hansard - -

My Lords, with no disrespect to the Minister, we have heard before stories about it happening soon and all the rest of it. We have repeatedly asked for the Secretary of State to get involved, which would show the urgency of the situation. The security of the people of Northern Ireland is continually put at risk by the absence of participation in the National Crime Agency’s operations. Instead of merely urging the parties to get together, should not the Secretary of State stop hiding behind the figure of David Ford and get some action on the Government’s own account?

Baroness Randerson Portrait Baroness Randerson
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I understand the frustration that the noble Lord expresses, but I can assure him that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State has been constantly involved in this issue and is regularly in discussions with the political parties. However, the noble Lord is correct in drawing attention to the fact that the same protection is not afforded to the people of Northern Ireland while the issue of the NCA is unresolved. I can assure him that we are extremely keen to reach agreement on this.