To ask the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 13704/17-22, to detail (i) what discussions she has had with the Minister of Health to increase the enforcement measures in the public health regulations related to COVID-19 to empower the police to take more action in relation to potential breaches; and (ii) what discussions she has had with the Chief Constable about the PSNI’s ability to enforce the restrictions related to COVID-19 as currently published.

(i) The Health Protection Regulations are the responsibility of the Department of the Health and adherence to the health protection regulations is a cross-cutting matter for the Executive. Any changes to the existing enforcement measures provided for by those regulations is therefore a matter for the Executive and I would be happy to contribute to any such discussions with the Health and other Ministers at the Executive.

I can confirm however, that I have not had any discussions with the Health Minister specifically in relation to increasing enforcement measures and, since the last changes were made in early January, this is not an issue that has come to the Executive for consideration.

(ii) Operational policing decisions on enforcing public health restrictions are a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The Chief Constable is also operationally independent from the Northern Ireland Executive.

As Justice Minister I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the Policing Board.

I can advise however, that I meet regularly with the Chief Constable to discuss a range of matters and those discussions include matters arising from the enforcement of the COVID-19 restrictions. While I recognise that policing the restrictions is challenging, the Chief Constable has not made any request to me for changes to the current laws.

Any questions regarding the PSNI’s approach to enforcing the public health regulations should be directed to the Chief Constable.