Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie MC has expressed his disappointment at the news that much needed funding for the National Crime Agency, has become embroiled in a turf war between the Executive and the NIO, and that a bid for funding has been removed from the Fresh Start bidding process.

The Upper Bann MLA, who is also his Party’s Justice Spokesperson, said:

“I was extremely disappointed to learn that the National Crime Agency (NCA), so critical to fighting organised crime and paramilitary activity, has had its bid for Fresh Start funding removed from the bidding process. I find it hard to understand how an organisation such as the NCA - which brings so much specialised tactical and strategic intelligence support to law enforcement in Northern Ireland - is not key to the delivery of Fresh Start.

“Although organised crime is not unique to Northern Ireland, when one considers the legacy of our past, our present terrorist threat and the various still active yet bespoke paramilitary groupings, it adds a serious dimension that affects every quarter of our society. I was therefore shocked to learn that having bid to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) in October 2015, not one penny has been made available under the Fresh Start Agreement and the NCA are still waiting clarification from the NIO and the Department for Justice as to a way forward.

“It is clear what we are seeing is an administrative bun fight between the Northern Ireland Executive and the NIO to decide who should pay for the work to be carried out by the NCA in respect of the Fresh Start Agreement. Nero fiddled while Rome burned and it is obvious the Executive are now fiddling while organised crime, terrorism and paramilitary activity continue to blight our society.”