Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland - 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019

15 July 2020 · Northern Ireland Office

Proposed by Brandon Lewis Con Great Yarmouth

Community SecurityNorthern IrelandPolicing & Resources

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The statement summarizes the Independent Reviewer of National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland report for 2019
  • The minister outlines the challenges faced by security services due to the lack of a functioning Executive or Assembly
  • The report highlights successes in containing dissident republican groups and improvements in PSNI's relations with An Garda Siochana

Issue summary

This statement summarizes the findings from the Independent Reviewer of National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland for 2019, focusing on the challenges faced by security services without a functioning Executive or Assembly.

Action requested

The minister is providing an overview and analysis of the national security situation in Northern Ireland based on the report by His Honour Brian Barker QC, highlighting the ongoing challenges despite some successes in containing dissident groups and improvements in PSNI's relations with An Garda Siochana.

Key facts

  • The review period covers from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
  • There were no stop and search operations under section 47A of the Terrorism Act 2000 during this period.
  • A total of 169 premises were searched under warrant using section 37 Schedule 5 of the same Act.
  • 146 persons were detained under section 41, with 98% held for less than 48 hours.
  • Sixteen individuals were charged with a total of 39 offences including attempted murder and firearms offences.
  • A total of six persons were convicted in the Crown Court related to terrorism acts or counter-terrorism laws.
  • There were 1515 examinations under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, eight resulting in detentions.
  • Paramilitary shootings resulted in 17 casualties (down from 21 in 2017), and paramilitary assaults caused 60 casualties (up from 54).
  • Relations with An Garda Siochana improved following the appointment of PSNI’s Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris as Garda Commissioner.
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