The Government have received a thematic inspection report from the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Mr. Kit Chivers. The report, "Avoidable Delay: A thematic inspection of delay in the processing of criminal cases in Northern Ireland", has today been published.

The Government accept the core findings of the report that cases are taking too long. The timeliness with which the 'criminal justice system dispenses justice is an important element in its effectiveness and efficiency and in maintaining and raising public confidence. I therefore welcome this report and its findings.

In line with the findings in the report, we have setup a dedicated inter-agency team to develop a new strategy to deliver improvements to case processing times.

Copies of the chief inspector's report have been placed in the library.