§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their plans for the future of the Full-time Reserve of the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and [HL5138]
Whether they have taken into account the overall numerical strength of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in formulating their policy on the future of the Full-time Reserve; and [HL5139]
When they will publish plans for the future of the Full-time Reserve of the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and [HL5141]
Whether uncertainty regarding the future of the Full-time Reserve of the Police Service of Northern Ireland is having any detrimental effect on the morale of the Service. [HL5142]
Lord Wiliams of MostynThe Government remain committed to the objective of phasing out the Full-time Reserve in line with the Patten report and the Implementation Plan.
The Policing Board has asked the PSNI, in the context of the service's overall human resources strategy, to prepare detailed proposals, including the Full-time Reserve, to be considered by the board. The Government will want to hear the board's views, in conjunction with the Chief Constable's assessment, before final decisions are made and announced.
The Government recognise the effect of uncertainty on officers and their families. We hope that it will be possible to reach conclusions on this issue in the near future.