Tom Elliott MP has said that ending the toxic legacy of paramilitarism would have a transformational effect on society in Northern Ireland.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP was speaking following the second reading of the Northern Ireland (Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan) Bill.
Tom Elliott MP said:
“Throughout the last round of talks the Ulster Unionist Party were adamant that tackling the legacy of paramilitarism in Northern Ireland must be at the top of the talks agenda. And we achieved that. It was the first item in the so-called Fresh Start agreement and was at the top of the legislation which was laid in Parliament last week.
“Ending the toxic legacy of paramilitarism would have a transformational effect on our society and would prevent tens of millions from being sucked out of the economy through organised crime. The people of Northern Ireland should not have to put up with this in 2016.
“It is also welcome to see that the extension of the period for the appointment of Executive Ministers is part of this Bill. In our 2011 Assembly manifesto the Ulster Unionist Party called for the parties eligible to form the Executive to come together before D’Hondt was run to agree the Programme for Government.
“We felt this could be a game-changer for how we do business because it would allow the parties to come up with a framework before everyone knew which departmental portfolio they would have and a silo mentality set in. So we are pleased to see this now looks set to become the practice."