PFNI gives guarded welcome to Westminster Committee report
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland Liam Kelly has given a guarded welcome to a report by the Westminster Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on PSNI policing requirements.
The Committee says there’s a need for a dedicated funding pot to deal with legacy cases and calls for action on officer numbers and representation.
Mr Kelly said: “This report adds weight to the case we’ve been making on the need for proper funding for the Service.
“In this the 25th anniversary of the PSNI, it is quite shocking that the Government has walked away from its responsibilities by maintaining that resources are a matter for Stormont.
“This position is arrant nonsense and I’m delighted the NIAC recognises that more needs to be done to see that funding is adequate for the ‘unique policing and security challenges’ we have to face.
“I welcome the repeated call for a dedicated, ring-fenced funding stream to deal with legacy instead of it being an intolerable financial burden on the Service.
“The report makes the case for an independent analysis to determine the most appropriate level of officers. We have the answer initially provided to Chief Constable Boutcher by Leapwise in 2024. For a population our size, the requirement is for at least 8,000 officers which is about 1,700 more than we currently have in service.
“I, too, would like to see more Catholics joining the PSNI. The suggestion of a cadet-style scheme might possibly go some way towards addressing the issue. However, until there’s unequivocal support from nationalist communities, politicians, civic, Church and sporting leaders, we will face an uphill struggle to boost numbers. There must also be a specific recognition of the risk that continues to be posed by republican terrorists as we saw with attacks on Dunmurry and Lurgan stations.
“The response to this report by the Secretary of State will be interesting, particularly on the question as to why Northern Ireland with its persisting threat from terrorism and paramilitary activity, is unable to access counter-terrorism funding that’s provided in England and Wales.”
