§ 15. Mr. ConnartyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in implementing the new police recruitment process; and if he will make a statement. [18108]
§ Jane KennedyThe new recruitment arrangements for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as recommended by the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, have been implemented in full. The first recruitment competition to be run in accordance with these procedures will enable the Chief Constable to appoint around 300 recruits on a 50 per cent. Catholic, 50 per cent. non-Catholic basis, as the Commission envisaged. The first tranche of new recruits began training on 4 November.
§ 18. Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he next expects to meet the Chief Constable to discuss recruitment; and if he will make a statement. [18111]
§ Jane KennedyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets the Chief Constable on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues, including recruitment. The first recruitment competition to be run in accordance with the new procedures will enable the Chief Constable to appoint around 300 recruits on a 50 per cent. Catholic, 50 per cent. non-Catholic basis, as the Commission envisaged. The first tranche of new recruits began training on 4 November.