NI informer access is ruled out

No future Northern Ireland justice minister will have direct access to details on informers, Security Minister Paul Goggins has said.

It has also been confirmed they would not see all classified intelligence on counter-terrorism strategy.

The NIO has said these issues relate to UK national security and as such would remain with Westminster.

The British government has been in charge of policing and justice powers in NI since 1972.

The powers were to be devolved to the Stormont executive as part of the St Andrews agreement.

However, the parties have not been able to agree when this should happen.