Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Danny Kinahan Excerpts
Monday 12th October 2015

(8 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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I wish there was a question there.

Danny Kinahan Portrait Danny Kinahan (South Antrim) (UUP)
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I know that policing is devolved and that we have an extremely professional and able police force in Northern Ireland, but when considering high-profile policing and looking at the other end where cuts are coming through in Northern Ireland and there are fewer police on the ground, is the Minister aware that that means that the paramilitaries and those working in crime will see their opportunities? Will he discuss how to tackle that problem better?

Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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With all due respect to the hon. Gentleman, this is a devolved matter, and as the former Minister of State with responsibility for Northern Ireland, I know just how devolved it really is, which is right and proper. The National Crime Agency currently operates in Northern Ireland, but this is a devolved matter, so it is something the hon. Gentleman needs to take up with David Ford.