Press Releases - 2004

23 Jan 2004

Severance Negotiations for Full-Time Reserve Officers

Today, representatives of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland met with an official delegation from the Northern Ireland Office to discuss the terms and conditions of compulsory severance for over 1600 Full-Time Reserve officers.

Documents were exchanged by both sides in relation to issues related to compulsory severance arrangements for the Full Time Reserve. We have asked for an early response to our proposals in order that these matters will be progressed.

The Northern Ireland Office were made fully aware of our publicly stated position that in the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland the retention of the Full-Time Reserve is of paramount importance in the delivery of a proper and effective police service to the whole community.

We also reiterated recommendation 103 of the Patten Report, which states that the decision to phase out the Full-Time Reserve will be that of the Chief Constable of the PSNI depending on the prevailing security situation and indeed the policing needs of the community.

We enter these negotiations reminding Government of their public commitment to ensure that all Full-Time reserve officers will be treated generously and sympathetically.

Considering that 102 Reservists paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in service to the community, this is the very least we expect from the Government. We do not intend to be more definitive about what has been discussed to date as the negotiations are at a sensitive and delicate stage.