The Security Service in Northern Ireland
Key points:
- Security Service has taken on new responsibilities in Northern Ireland.
- National security responsibilities are now in line with rest of the UK.
- Close working relationship with PSNI is continuing.
The Security Service has had responsibility for national security intelligence work against all Irish related terrorism in Great Britain since 1992. However, within Northern Ireland, this role has historically been carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and before it the RUC.
On 24 February 2005, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy, announced that the Security Service would be taking on the lead role for national security intelligence work in Northern Ireland during 2007. A new headquarters for the Service has also been constructed in Northern Ireland, bringing together staff who had previously been split between a number of sites. The new building at Loughside, Palace Barracks, Holywood, was formally opened by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 4 December 2007.
This change brings the arrangements for national security intelligence work in Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. The decision follows the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland report, known as the Patten recommendations, and is central to the PSNI's modernisation agenda. It will facilitate the devolution of policing and justice in due course, when a robust and workable basis is agreed, which will increase real local responsibility for these functions.
The PSNI and the Security Service are continuing to work together in partnership, making best use of their complementary skills and expertise. The PSNI still provides the operational police response in countering terrorism and protecting the whole community of Northern Ireland.
The Policing Board, the Ombudsman and the Oversight Commissioner retain all their existing powers and responsibilities as far as the oversight of policing is concerned.
The new arrangements, together with associated safeguards, became fully operational in October 2007.
Please see Frequently Asked Questions about the Security Service in Northern Ireland for more information on the effects of the new arrangements.
