Proposals for a new ministry of justice for Northern Ireland will be outlined at Stormont today.
A committee asked to examine the devolution of policing powers to the regional administration is to present its initial recommendations to the Assembly.
The Assembly and Executive Review committee’s first report focuses on issues such as the shape of the new department and what criminal justice agencies it will have responsibility for.
Members are also expected to endorse the method for electing a justice minister agreed by Sinn Féin and the DUP last year.
Both parties have decided not to nominate a candidate for the position until 2012, with the minister appointed on the basis of cross-community support during that period.
The publication of the report marks the completion of the first phase of the committee’s work programme. Members will now go on to examine more contentious issues such as funding and responsibility for judicial appointments.
There is still no clear signal from First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as to when devolution will take place, however.
Both have agreed to a set of processes to bring it about - integral to which are a series of consultation exercises designed to establish whether there is sufficient community confidence to countenance the move.
While it is envisaged the portfolio could initially be taken on by the cross-community Alliance Party, the SDLP claim the position is rightfully its under the d’Hondt process for allocating departments.
The Ulster Unionists believe the executive is not yet well enough established to take over policing and justice functions.
PA