Ford welcomes the end of 50:50 recruitment provisions for PSNI
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the announcement that 50:50 recruitment provisions for the PSNI will come to an end.
~ Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Northern Ireland has changed significantly since the provisions were first introduced in 2001 and I believe the PSNI will continue to attract excellent applicants from all sections of our community without the use of the temporary provisions.
Northern Ireland Department of Justice
The Minister said that Northern Ireland has come a long way in recent years and agreed that the provisions were no longer needed.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, confirmed today that the provisions will come to an end on 28 March 2011.
David Ford said: “Northern Ireland has changed significantly since the provisions were first introduced in 2001 and I believe the PSNI will continue to attract excellent applicants from all sections of our community without the use of the temporary provisions.
“I am acutely aware of the value of having a police service which is reflective of the entire community and with the community in Northern Ireland becoming more diverse this becomes increasingly important.
“The PSNI will continue with their outreach work and I have no doubt that community leaders will continue to encourage their communities to apply to join the PSNI and give the PSNI their support.”
Notes to editors
The number of serving police officers from a perceived Catholic background has increased from 8% to around 30% in the last 10 years.
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