She said:

“The rigorous independence of the Police Ombudsman’s office is a key component of the new beginning to policing. His office must remain free to report on concerns about police conduct, either individually or corporately, wherever he finds it appropriate to do so following an investigation.

“This is especially true where there are allegations of collusion between police and paramilitaries.

“The tragedy of Loughinisland was that 6 innocent men were murdered and their families left without a loved one. The Police Ombudsman is entitled, and compelled, to report on the circumstances of those murders and the subsequent investigation.

“There should be no attempt to curtail the authority or independence of the Police Ombudsman in these matters.”