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31/03/2009
Police Attracts Record Numbers Of Catholic Recruits
Catholic composition within Northern Ireland's police force now stands at just over 26%, the highest level since the introduction of temporary 50:50 recruitment provisions in 2001.
The NIO Policing Minister Paul Goggins revealed the details today in a written ministerial statement to the House of Commons in London.
Mr Goggins underlined the Government's commitment to addressing the religious imbalance within the Police Service NI and confirmed that it is on course to reach the 30% composition target by 2010/11, as stated in the ground-breaking Patten Report.
"Since the introduction of the temporary 50:50 provisions in 2001, tremendous progress has been made towards a more representative police service and our ultimate goal of 30% Catholic composition.
"At the time of the Patten Report the Catholic composition was just 8.3%, today it is 26.14%," he explained.
The gains are despite the murder of the first PSNI officer since the force's formation from the previous Royal Ulster Constabulary, and also stretch to higher numbers of female recruits and those from ethnic minorities.
"Female composition has nearly doubled, from 12% in 2001 to 23.43% today and there are currently 31 officers from an ethnic minority background including Pakistani, Black Caribbean, Chinese and Indian," he continued, noting that the St Andrews Agreement makes it clear that the temporary 50:50 recruitment arrangements to the PSNI will lapse when the Government's target of 30% Catholic officers has been achieved.
"We are on course to reach this target by 2010/2011," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
The NIO Policing Minister Paul Goggins revealed the details today in a written ministerial statement to the House of Commons in London.
Mr Goggins underlined the Government's commitment to addressing the religious imbalance within the Police Service NI and confirmed that it is on course to reach the 30% composition target by 2010/11, as stated in the ground-breaking Patten Report.
"Since the introduction of the temporary 50:50 provisions in 2001, tremendous progress has been made towards a more representative police service and our ultimate goal of 30% Catholic composition.
"At the time of the Patten Report the Catholic composition was just 8.3%, today it is 26.14%," he explained.
The gains are despite the murder of the first PSNI officer since the force's formation from the previous Royal Ulster Constabulary, and also stretch to higher numbers of female recruits and those from ethnic minorities.
"Female composition has nearly doubled, from 12% in 2001 to 23.43% today and there are currently 31 officers from an ethnic minority background including Pakistani, Black Caribbean, Chinese and Indian," he continued, noting that the St Andrews Agreement makes it clear that the temporary 50:50 recruitment arrangements to the PSNI will lapse when the Government's target of 30% Catholic officers has been achieved.
"We are on course to reach this target by 2010/2011," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
