§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve have been physically disabled as a result of terrorism to date; how many have been retrained and re-employed by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland; and what opportunities are available for retraining and reemployment within the Royal Ulster Constabulary for personnel disabled in service.
§ Mr. Mates[holding reply sent on 10 March 1993]: The term "physically disabled" is difficult to define precisely, but current RUC records in relation to injuries as a result of terrorist attacks indicate that since 1970 a total of 7,025 officers have been injured as a result of terrorism. Of these, 121 have been granted medical retirement due to the extent of their injuries/illness.
The Police Authority for Northern Ireland does not currently have the facility to retrain RUC officers for further employment. A serving or ex-RUC officer may apply in open competition through the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commission for employment in the civil service, including secondment to the police authority. There are currently six civil servants employed by the police authority who retired on medical grounds from the RUC. Information as to how many such officers have been employed since 1970 is not readily available.
Where possible, the RUC, through its welfare branch and occupational health unit provides support and rehabilitation for injured officers. This service extends to the provision of counselling help to the injured officers' families. In addition, the RUC benevolent fund provides continuing support for the officer and the family in both financial and social aspects of the trauma. However, the RUC does not have the facilities to re-train or re-employ every officer injured as a result of terrorism. Where a recovery period is required or where illness dictates (including sickness not related to terrorism), officers may be employed on restricted duties. On 10 March 1993, a total of 80 officers who had been injured as a result of terrorism were employed on restricted duties. This total includes a small number of disabled officers who, although eligible, decided not to seek medical retirement from the force.