HC Deb 04 November 1999 vol 337 c257W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when was the most recent tri-annual report of the RUC Equal Opportunities Unit to the Fair Employment Commission; what were its main points; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [94661]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: The most recent tri-annual report covering the period 1995–98 was forwarded to the Fair Employment Commission in May 1999.

The main points were as follows:

  1. 1. During this review period the actual strength of the RUC Regulars for all categories has remained fairly constant. The trend during the review period is one of a slight increase in CB2 representation from 8.18 per cent. to 8.3 per cent.
  2. 2. The workforce was also analysed in terms of length of service and age. Over 60 per cent. of the RUC Regulars fall within the 10–24 years service bands. This grouping had an overall CB2 representation of 7.08 per cent. in 1996, increasing to 7.3 per cent in 1998. By comparison, the 0–9 years service bands, which accounted for approximately 25 per cent. of the RUC, show an increase in CB2 representation from 9.62 per cent. to 9.91 percent. during the review period. Within that grouping, CB2 representation in the 0–4 years service band increased overall from 10.53 per cent. in 1996 to 12.64 per cent. in 1998.
  3. 3. The RUC acknowledges the composition of its members is not representative of the community that it seeks to serve. The main catchment area for applicants to the RUC is Northern Ireland. The economically active population with 'A' level qualification, or equivalent, in Northern Ireland is 60.6 per cent. Protestant (CBI) and 39.4 per cent. Roman Catholic (CB2).

The Chief Constable has consistently made it clear that he wishes to see a positive change in the representation of the Force by encouraging members of the minority community to apply for a career in the police service and he has sought the support of respected members of the community in seeking to achieve his aim of a more representative police force for Northern Ireland".

There is no obligation under the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 to make reviews under section 31 available to any person or organisation. I understand that the review prepared by the Chief Constable in fulfilment of the requirements of the Act, as an internal document, contains information which could prejudice the security of individual officers. It is not appropriate that it be made public.