APPENDIX 6
Memorandum submitted by the Department
of the Director of Public Prosecutions
I refer to your letter to James Scholes dated
3 September.
The Director has asked me to reply.
The Director notes that the inquiry conducted
by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will be into the Parades
Commission and Public Prosecutions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.
You write that it will take as its starting point the report of
the review conducted by Sir George Quigley published in September
2002.
The Director notes that the Northern Ireland
Affairs Committee's primary concerns will be to examine the response
by Government and other interested parties to the Quigley Review;
the case for implementing key recommendations of the Quigley Review;
and, the legislative (or other) steps necessary to implement such
recommendations, if appropriate.
The Director has considered the Quigley Review,
and, in particular Chapter 27 concerning Offences.
The Director agrees with Sir George's observations
at Chapter 27.10 where he writes that he doubts if much would
be achieved by the creation of further offences in the context
of parades. He accepts that it is important that those guilty
of any of the wide range of existing offences should be identified
and prosecuted.
He also agrees, as Sir George states at Chapter
27.11. that the guidance in the Commission's Code of Conduct for
those participating in a procession and those participating in
lawful protests against a procession should draw attention to
the law concerning processions and protests and to other relevant
legislation. Accordingly, the Director is in agreement with Chapter
30 paragraph 33 of the main recommendations.
15 September 2003
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