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Esecutivo nordirlandese discute sul trasferimento poteri

Executive to discuss justice powers

Castello di Stormont - Stormont CastleDraft legislation linked to the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont is scheduled to be discussed by the Northern Ireland Executive today.

It is understood that the legislation is on the agenda at a meeting of ministers at the power-sharing Assembly.

First Minister Peter Robinson had been expected to clear the way for a discussion of the document on July 9th and was criticised at the time by Sinn Féin when the matter was delayed.

But Mr Robinson said he wanted to give ministers sufficient time to study the enabling legislation.

Ministers will meet at Stormont Castle today where the legislation is on the agenda, which should mark a further step towards completing the process of transferring the powers from Westminster to Stormont.

The DUP and Sinn Féin leaderships have yet to agree a final date for setting-up a new justice ministry at the Assembly, but there has been speculation that the move could be completed before the end of the year.

Meanwhile there were reports that the future justice ministry could be based in the Stormont office block where the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was negotiated.

On July 16th the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont edged a step closer when the Prime Minister agreed a process to address outstanding financial issues.

Downing Street, Treasury and Northern Ireland Executive officials are examining all potential funding pressure points over the summer months with the intention of agreeing a monetary package by September.

The process was hammered out during talks between Gordon Brown and First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at No 10.

The Ulster Unionist Party has, meanwhile, questioned if the political structures at the Assembly are strong enough to take-on the controversial issue of policing.

But other parties have said the move would help local politicians tailor the justice system to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland community.

The DUP and Sinn Féin agreed a process last November that would lead to the devolution of the powers.

The deal ended a five month stand-off that blocked meetings of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The agreement did not include a completion date for the process, but it has been suggested that devolution could be completed in the Autumn.

The Sinn Féin and DUP leaderships have agreed they will not take the new Justice Ministry when it is created, with the Alliance Party favourites to hold the post.

The DUP has said it will agree to the transfer of the powers when the conditions are right and when a suitable financial package is agreed by government.

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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