Guarded welcome for Finance Minister’s backing for PSNI Recovery Plan

The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland Liam Kelly has given a guarded welcome to the Finance Minister John O’Dowd’s support for the £200 million PSNI Recovery Plan.

Reacting to Mr O’Dowd’s answer to an Assembly Question, Mr Kelly said: “This announcement deserves a guarded welcome. However, we’re still some way off seeing the Minister’s ‘intention’ translated into a definitive timeframe for delivery.

“I note there are no hard and fast commitments or guarantees in his announcement, just non-committal language. It’s disappointing the Recovery Plan has taken this length of time to be brought to the Executive. Ultimately, Ministers will be judged on actual delivery rather than promises and intentions.

“After all, the plan was meant to have commenced in April, so we’re already well behind implementing what was a three-year plan to boost officer numbers to 7,000 from the present historic low of 6,190 and herald a new beginning for policing. 

“In Year One, the plan was for an extra 150 officers but because numbers have slipped to 6,190, what we actually need is a further 160 posts to meet the target of 6,500 by April next year. With five months left in this financial year, that target will not be met.

“I will watch what happens next with great interest. Ministers must step up to the plate to back the Chief Constable’s plan. I would urge them not to shirk or shy away from this responsibility and agree to end the decline."