The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has today published the final report on the review of police injury award arrangements.

He initiated a review in May this year in response to concerns that were raised about the efficacy and efficiency of the process.

Speaking about the publication of the final report on the Review of Police Injury Award Arrangements, Chair of the NI Policing Board's Human Resources Committee and Co Chair of the Review Panel, Jimmy Spratt MLA said: "I welcome the publication of this final report and the 19 recommendations contained within it.

"This review has been progressed quickly and I trust that the revisions made as a result will improve the operation of the system for all concerned," he said.

"The Board will continue to work with the Department of Justice and other stakeholders to ensure the recommendations are now fully implemented."

For his part, Mr Ford said the report showed "devolution is working" and noted that the review team was jointly chaired by the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Its recommendations include a minimum five-year period before review in all cases and that the reviews be set aside for those who are suffering from the most severe psychological conditions.

It also suggests an improved time taken for an appeal and that successful appeals against review decisions are to be backdated to the date the award was reduced.

It also seeks a pool of doctors who would be available to act as Selected Medical Practitioners (SMP) and those individuals would have the option to have their appeal carried out by a different SMP from initial assessment.

David Ford said: "This report is an excellent example of the difference devolution can make to the people of Northern Ireland.

"We listened to the feedback from the public and a number of stakeholders and immediately set about changing the practical arrangements of the scheme.

"The recommendations in the report represent a measured package and are aimed at all stages of the process from initial assessment through to review and appeal stage."

David Ford continued on the issue of backdating after a successful appeal was one of the most emotive issues presented to me.

"The Review Panel sought evidence from other police forces in the UK and appeal bodies in Northern Ireland and have recommended that successful appeals should have the decision backdated to the date the award was reduced. I feel that this is a fair and just recommendation.

"Recommendations have also been made as to how the appeals process can be improved both in the short term and in the future. Reducing the time taken for appeals can only be beneficial to those individuals going through the process."

(BMcC/GK)