Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“In response to a recent letter from me the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service,David Sterling, has advised that up to £12 million has been lavished on Co-Operation Ireland to develop plans for the executive’s ‘strategy’ on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime.
“If these funds were being spent on additional police officers in an attempt to break the grip which illegal organisations have on many communities in Northern Ireland it would be welcome. Remember that in July the Chief Constable said the PSNI needed an additional 400 officers. But, instead these funds are for the development of ‘be nice to paramilitaries plans’ to integrate, not bring to justice, such individuals.
I am advised that:
“Co-Operation Ireland delivers the work in partnership with the Mitchel Institute (QUB), INCORE (Ulster University) and the Institute for Conflict Research (ICR).”
“It would appear that once again the paramilitaries are being treated with kid gloves. At a time of unprecedented pressure on the budget for essential services it is nothing short of a scandal that millions are being squandered in this fashion.”