Hain hails speed of Patten implementation

The North's Police Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson has a vital role to play in monitoring the pace of change in policing , Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said tonight.

Speaking after a meeting with Mr Hutchinson, accompanied by Security Minister Shaun Woodward, he said the speed of implementing the Patten recommendations had been “remarkable”.

Mr Hutchinson later this week delivers his 13th report on the implementation of the changes and Mr Hain said he acknowledged the efforts of the Oversight Commissioner and his team.

“I am confident that all the desired changes in policing will be fully met within this decade as predicted in Patten,” said the Secretary of State.

He said both he and Mr Woodward found their meeting with the commissioner extremely useful.

“I was glad to be able to express to the Commissioner my gratitude for the contribution, expertise and dedication that he had his office bring to the vitally important oversight of policing here,” Mr Hain added.