THE NORTH’S First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, have briefed the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance on proposals they have drawn up with the British prime minister to finance the transfer of justice powers to Stormont.
Alliance leader David Ford, widely tipped to become justice minister, estimates the devolution bill to be in the region of £800 million. However, he, in common with other delegations, did not see details of the agreement between British prime minister Gordon Brown and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Because these details were withheld, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey publicly questioned the purpose of yesterday’s briefing. SDLP leader Mark Durkan complained there was still no indication of a timetable for the transfer of powers.
It is expected that the correspondence will be formally made public by Downing Street soon. However, The Irish Times understands the prime minister has agreed with Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness that the Stormont Executive can resort to British exchequer funds should security or security-related financial pressures demand it.
It is further understood that British finance has been found for four so-called “unavoidable pressures” on top of day-to-day policing and justice costs.
These include costs related to police officers’ deafness claims, equal pay demands, legal aid issues and certain pension matters.
There is also agreement on “mechanisms” to deal with other costs, such as those relating to the proposed new police training college in Co Tyrone.
The office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister said in a statement last night it “would be happy to see the proposals made public by Downing Street”.
The office has also undertaken to provide further information and arrange further meetings with the parties concerned as necessary.
However, Mr Durkan, while acknowledging the outline briefing his delegation received, complained there was no indicative timetable for devolution.
Sir Reg Empey, whose support is crucial to the decision to transfer powers to Belfast, said: “I am incredibly disappointed that the Ulster Unionist Party has not had sight of the prime minister’s letter, nor are we in receipt of such a letter – in fact, one may question the relevance of our meeting.”