PSNI: Catholic Recruits

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Justice – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:45 pm on 24 March 2025.

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Photo of Naomi Long Naomi Long Alliance 2:45, 24 March 2025

I am not convinced that we have reached the point where we need to reconsider the introduction of 50:50 recruitment. However, the Member will be aware that, as the Minister, I must remain open to that request should it be presented to me by the Policing Board or the Chief Constable. When previously utilised, it was linked to a severance scheme. Of course, that was established as a temporary measure to hasten the restructuring of the policing at that time. We are in a different arrangement now. As I say, I did not support it at that time, and I do not see a need for it at this time.