Parades Commission

(PC) The Parades Commission was established in late 1997 following the recommendations of the North Report. The Commission has two main roles, the first is to try to mediate between those who wish to march through particular areas and those who are opposed to such marches, and the second is to arbitrate on marches where no agreement could be reached. Although the Commission makes an initial ruling on parades, the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) can overturn any decision on public order grounds. The Commission made its first decisions during Easter 1998. When first established the Parades Commission was composed of seven members. Chairman Alistair Graham; David Hewitt, a Belfast solicitor; Frank Guckian, former director of Derry Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Barbara Erwin, a senior lecturer and Vice-Chair of the Women's Forum, from county Down ; Mr. William Martin from county Down, a farmer and former member of the Police Authority (1991-1997); Aiden Canavan, a lawyer; and Rose Anne McCormick, a lawyer. Alistair Graham was replaced as Chairman by Tony Holland. A review of the working of the Parades Commission was announced in 2001. The review was headed by George Quigley (Sir) and his report was published on 27 September 2002. A Draft Order , The Public Processions (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, to increase the powers of the Parades Commission was published on 22 February 2005. List of Parades Commission publications