AQW 8825/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/03/2024
Answered On Date: 25/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice what plans she has to participate in discussions in relation to the prospective move away from criminality by the UDA.

Answer:

I am not aware of any such discussions taking place with the UDA and as Minister of Justice it would not be appropriate for me to participate in discussions with a proscribed organisation. Where people are engaged in criminality, they should either stop or expect to face the force of the law. PSNI and other law enforcement agencies have my full support in pursuing those who use the cloak of paramilitarism as cover to carry out harm in communities.

As well as criminal justice measures, I am focused on supporting cross-Government initiatives to address the vulnerabilities in communities that are often exploited by paramilitaries. This is being addressed through the Executive’s Tackling Paramilitarism and Organised Crime Programme and many other interventions.