David Ford said: “This is a momentous day for Northern Ireland. This is the start of the process which will see politics here come of age.
“The public want grown-up government and delivery. They are sick of the politics of the playground, and politicians must catch up with the public in terms of attitude and action.
“The transfer of justice powers will remove the main blockage to the proper operation of the Executive and Assembly. There can no longer be any excuses: it is time that the institutions delivered for the people of Northern Ireland.”
ENDS