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Ulster Unionist Police Board Member and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea, speaking ahead of the first meeting of the new Policing Board today, said that Sinn Fein’s attitude and approach within the Board, coupled with the security briefings provided at meetings, should be the key deciders in whether or not the devolution of Policing and Justice can happen.

In a statement Mr McCrea said,

“Only if Sinn Fein engages fully with the PSNI and other members of the Policing board both in public and private can the devolution of policing and justice be considered.  The decision by Sinn Fein to nominate representatives with a terrorist background is a calculated move, the significance of which will not be lost on Sinn Fein’s grass roots. However, it is seen by the Unionist community as a provocative action, reinforcing the fear that the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP is merely a marriage of convenience, a change in tactics but not a change in attitudes.  It is apparent that despite the devolution of many issues to Stormont, the key questions regarding the future of Northern Ireland remain unanswered.  Will Sinn Fein and the people it represents, unambiguously support the PSNI?

From a Unionist perspective, the attitude and approach of Sinn Fein within the policing board, along with the security information provided at such meetings will be the key factors in deciding whether our society is ready to accept the devolution of policing and justice powers.  Others will not doubt seek to assure themselves of the impartiality of the PSNI and the effectiveness of the oversight arrangements.  The board should consider these matters for the benefit of all the citizens of Northern Ireland but on no account will the Board permit the operational independence of the PSNI to be brought into question.

The devolution of policing and justice can only be considered if and when public opinion supports such a move.  The attitude and effectiveness of the Policing Board will play a pivotal role in any such decision.  Any suggestion that additional information provided under “Privy Council” terms would enhance the decision making process would not only run contrary to the openness and transparency required to secure public confidence, but would actually destroy the basis for devolution of such powers.”

Ulster Unionists have today put a motion down in the Assembly Chamber calling on the Social Development Minister to review the fuel poverty strategy – with a special emphasis on pensioner households and households with children.

Speaking after participating in the Assembly debate, Ulster Unionist Social Development Spokesperson Fred Cobain MLA said: “Fuel poverty continues to blight far too many homes across Northern Ireland. As a society, we all lose out because of fuel poverty – not least because of the costs associated with the poorer health brought on by fuel poverty. With 20% of pensioners living in fuel poverty, DSD’s strategy must be reviewed to ensure that strategy’s goal of eradicating fuel poverty by 2016 does not become yet another missed target.”

Roy Beggs MLA, the Ulster Unionist Spokesperson for Children and Families, praising the work of fuel poverty advocacy group National Energy Action, called for a more robust approach by DSD.

He said: “Both in Scotland and England, innovative schemes are in place that must be examined as possible options for Northern Ireland. We cannot be complacent about the 2016 target for eradication of fuel poverty and where lessons are to be learnt from other UK regions, they should be learnt”.

Mr Beggs also drew attention to the needs of families with children

“It is estimated that 25,000 children in Northern Ireland lives in homes that are not adequately heated,” he said.

“In a fair and just society, the lives of children should not blighted by cold and damp homes. A review of DSD’s strategy must ensure that families with children are lifted out of fuel poverty.”

Ulster Unionist East Londonderry MLA David McClarty has today welcomed the Health Minister’s commitment to work towards the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence and to give this issue the priority it deserves.

Speaking following the motion on domestic violence which was discussed in the Assembly chamber today, Mr McClarty said: “I welcome the Minister’s vow to give this issue high priority within the department.

“Commitments to create an Inter-Departmental Group on Domestic Violence, to approach the Executive to ensure that this issue is given the funding priority it deserves, and to put more procedures in place around maternity care for early identification of women at risk are particularly welcome.”

He added: “According to police statistics for 2005/06, over 23,059 incidents were reported to the police compared to just under 21,000 in the previous year. On average, every 22 minutes of every day of the year police respond to a domestic incident. And research has shown that 30% of domestic violence starts during pregnancy. The nature and scale of this type abuse is truly horrifying – and every effort must be made to put far-reaching prevention measures in place to address this.

“Domestic violence is unacceptable in any form. The Northern Ireland administration must now deliver and speak up for all those who suffer in silence.”