Riots in North Belfast could bankrupt the Department of Justice.

Monday 19 July 10

Following the violence around the 12^th of July this year changes could be made in way that policing is funded.

Matt Baggott PSNI Chief Constable when commenting on the riots in the Ardyone area noted, that cost of policing them was the equivalent of a school or the wing of hospital. 

The situation of an unlimited pot of money for policing could soon change, as Northern Ireland received unlimited funds regarding policing and justice.

Suggestions however have been made that following the devolution of Police and Justice powers to Northern Ireland, the cost of funding policing during marching season should be the responsibility of the Stormont Executive.

During times when every department has to make harsh cutbacks, the attitude of the London Administration is that re-routing 12^th July Parades would prevent violence and ultimately save money.

This could leave the Department of Justice between a rock and a hard place. 

The department could either re-route the parades, risking violent responses from Unionist communities or maintain the status quo and potentially bankrupt the department.

No plans have been confirmed for changing the manner in which police will be funded in Northern Ireland.