Ministers to get policing 'draft'

A date for the transfer of policing and justice powers has yet to be set

Draft legislation aimed at paving the way for the devolution of policing and justice is to be distributed to NI Executive ministers shortly.

First Minister Peter Robinson had suggested it may be discussed at Thursday afternoon's Executive meeting.

But, it will now be discussed before the end of July at another meeting.

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy said the DUP should explain why it was dropped as both parties had "agreed the wording of this legislation".

"It was ready for agreement at the Executive this afternoon," he said.

"It is now up to the DUP to explain to the people why this didn't happen."

A Sinn Fein source told the BBC that the DUP would not agree to put the paper on the agenda and wondered if the party was facing internal problems.

But a DUP source said this was nonsense - and insisted the move was to ensure all ministers have time to consider the matter after complaints that papers were being tabled at the last minute.

SDLP Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said it was disappointing nothing had yet been brought to the table.

She said that comments Mr Robinson made earlier this week that Sinn Fein would veto a Ulster Unionist nominee and his party would veto an SDLP nominee were "disgraceful".

"It is a throwback to 40 years ago - no nationalist need apply," she said.

On Tuesday, Mr Robinson said that any future justice minister would come from the Alliance Party.

However, there is still no agreement on how much money would be given by London to Stormont once police and justice powers are devolved.

Mr Robinson said the question of financing and community support for the devolution of policing and justice still need to be resolved.