Sixth Annual Report on the operation of the Independent Monitoring Commission
Statement by the Secretary of State accompanying the publication of the IMC's Annual Report for September 2008-09, and its audited accounts.
Secretary of State Owen Paterson has today laid before Parliament his sixth Annual Report on the operation of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMC).
The report covers the operation of the International Agreement between the British and Irish governments that established the IMC and the operation of provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
In a written statement, Owen Paterson said:
I have today published and laid before Parliament my sixth annual report on the operation of the Agreement between the British and Irish Governments which established the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC). This report covers the period 18 September 2008 to 17 September 2009.
In line with a commitment made by one of my predecessors, this report contains the audited accounts of the IMC for the 12 month period ending 31 March 2009.
The report covers the 20th and 21st reports on paramilitary activity. It does not refer to the 22nd report on paramilitary activity as it fell outside the twelve month period under review.
I am very grateful to the Commissioners of the IMC for their valuable contribution during this reporting period and for their commitment to promoting and maintaining a peaceful society and a stable and inclusive devolved Government in Northern Ireland .
Notes to Editors
Section 11(1) of the Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Act 2003 requires the Secretary of State to lay in Parliament each year a report on the operation of the International Agreement establishing the IMC and the new provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.