§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on the impact of the Force Order issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 25th March on access to police exercise facilities for retired police officers; [120973]
(2) who has responsibility for day to day security management at police exercise facilities across Northern Ireland; and whether retired police officers will have to be vetted in order to gain access to such facilities; [120974]
(3) what action the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has taken with regard to retired police officers having access to police exercise facilities in Northern Ireland; [120975]
(4) if he will make a statement on why retired police officers in Northern Ireland have no access to police exercise facilities in Northern Ireland; and if he will take action to remedy this. [120976]
§ Jane KennedyThe General Order referred to seeks to regulate access to exercise facilities in PSNI establishments for both security and health and safety considerations. The Order outlines the separate circumstances and procedures applicable for 'Employee' and 'Guest' access to such facilities. Retired Police Officers fall into the category of 'Guests' and as such will be required to apply for 'Guest Status' as outlined in the General Order.
The Chief Constable has responsibility for security at Police establishments. Any individuals who fall into the 'Guest' category will require security clearance. No exceptions are made to this vetting process. Retired Police Officers with 'Guest Status' will have access to police exercise facilities at eight major sites listed in the PSNI General Order.