HL Deb 18 November 2003 vol 654 c273WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What legislation has been enacted for Northern Ireland since 1 January 1998 which has discriminated against anyone on the grounds of religion. [HL5124]

Baroness Amos

Sections 46 and 47 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 make provision that all suitably qualified applicants to the post of police trainee will be recruited on the basis of 50 per cent of Roman Catholics and 50 per cent non-Roman Catholics. These same sections also make provision that where there are six or more police support staff posts at the same level which are to be filled at or around the same time then appointment will also be on the basis of 50 per cent Roman Catholic and 50 percent non-Roman Catholic.