A commissioner should be appointed to scrutinise intelligence gathering in Northern Ireland, the British government was told yesterday.
As the SDLP prepared for a meeting today with Sir John Chilcott on his review of intelligence gathering, the party called for the creation of a commissioner for covert law enforcement.
Launching a document on intelligence, SDLP negotiator Mr Alban Maginness said in Belfast: "The Patten Report [on police reform\] envisaged setting up a commissioner.
"Obviously the proposal would help build up public confidence in intelligence gathering and would be a useful addition to the accountability structures already in place in policing." The Patten commission proposed that a senior judicial figure based in Northern Ireland be appointed to scrutinise independently surveillance activities, the use of informants, undercover operations and the interception of communications.
He or she could demand the release of intelligence documents following requests to his or her office or from other agencies such as the Police Ombudsman or Policing Board. The commissioner would also have the power to inspect the police and other agencies.