DPP and top officer regularly risk assess protest meetings

He said the Chair and Vice-Chair of the local DPP were “extremely aware” of its responsibilities to the health and safety of council staff, members of the public and police officers attending the meetings which have been the subject of protest by dissident republican groups.

DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Justice what steps he intended taking to assure members of DPPs, and the public in attendance, that open business can be conducted without fear of intimidation or threats by those intent on disrupting the business of the partnerships.

Mr Ford replied that the safety of the community was a key priority for the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the PSNI.

He advised this was reinforced in the 2011/14 Policing Plan and that whilst people have a right to protest, they do not have a right to disrupt a meeting.

“The Northern Ireland Policing Board informs me that the conduct of DPP meetings is for the DPP itself.

“Where protests at DPP meetings have escalated to cause disruption, or where it is deemed that people are attending with the intent to disrupt, a judgement call is taken by the Chair and members on the day. They may additionally want to liaise with their local commander in advance,” he stated.

“In relation to the recent protest on 20 October, Derry DPP is extremely aware of their responsibilities in relation to the health and safety of those attending DPP meetings (staff, public, members and police officers) and a risk assessment for DPP members and staff has been carried out by Derry City Council.

“The Chair and Vice Chair meet with the Area Commander in advance of every meeting in public for an updated risk assessment.

“I would note that despite the recent protests, Derry DPP has fulfilled its statutory requirements in relation to holding meetings in public and has successfully engaged with the public to help build safer, confident and shared communities,” he stated.