Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton has said that when it comes to investigating aspects of the Bobby Storey funeral, the authorities appear to be moving at a snail’s pace.

Mrs Barton said:

“Last Thursday Belfast City Council’s independent investigation relating to events at Roselawn Cemetery for the Bobby Storey funeral was published, almost eight months after the event and yet we are still awaiting for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to take a decision following the PSNI investigation into events at the funeral.

“Following my queries, the PPS they confirmed that the PSNI has provided a file to them in mid December 2020 in relation to alleged breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 on 30th June last year.

“The file reports 24 individuals for decisions as to prosecution, which is currently under consideration by the prosecution service.

“The length of time taken by the PSNI to follow up with enquiries in relation to this event, and the fact that their report has been with the PPS for over two months really calls into question the urgency with which the authorities are dealing with the issue.

“I believe this matter should be dealt with in a manner that treats it with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, and gives confidence to the wider community, something that I believe has been lacking throughout this process.

“The circumstances around the funeral of Bobby Storey are of considerable public interest and have, in many ways, led to confidence in the police being undermined.  To this end it must be incumbent on the PPS to progress this case with the utmost urgency.”