§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons PSNI personnel policing the Loyalist parade in Lurgan on 3 May 2003 were not wearing identification numbers; and what measures he has taken to ensure that PSNI personnel wearing protective gear over their uniform may still be identified by a clearly displayed identification number. [113346]
§ Jane KennedyPolice officers are required to wear protective overalls (which display their identification number) to meet health and safety regulations. Overalls970W should be worn over their personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment has recently been improved but as it is bulkier, some officers found it necessary to wear this over, rather than under, the protective overalls and as a result the identification numbers were obscured. However, PSNI is taking steps to resolve this matter to ensure that protective overalls are worn 'over' personal protective equipment.
The PSNI is an open and transparent service and there is no attempt to hide the identity of officers. Identification numbers do appear on their helmets. Vehicles also display identifying unit numbers on the front, side and rear.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the budget is for PSNI training; and how much and what percentage is spent on(a) new recruit training, (b) refresher training for staff and (c) management training in 2003–04. [114144]
§ Jane KennedyThe PSNI training budget for 2003–04 is £2.53 million. The estimated spend for(a) new recruit training is £253,600 (10 per cent.), (b) refresher training is £199,000 (7.9 per cent.) and (c) management training is £872,000 (34.5 per cent.)
The above mentioned training budget is for the provision of external courses, guest speakers and training aids only.