To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is his policy that the Serious Organised Crime Agency should come under the remit of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. (117620)

In line with changes to criminal justice and policing structures across the United Kingdom, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has already been given the power to investigate serious complaints made against the Serious Organised Crime Agency while SOCA is engaged in activity in Northern Ireland. This authority is by way of an agreed protocol between the Ombudsman and SOCA, facilitated by provisions under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.