To ask the Minister of Justice what steps she will take to (i) meet the New Decade, New Approach target of 7,500 PSNI officers; (ii) improve conditions so as to limit the number of officers experiencing protracted periods of mental and physical ill-health; and (iii) increase the attractiveness of a career as a police officer for potential new recruits.

Police officer numbers are a matter for the Chief Constable who is accountable to the Northen Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board.

These are primarily matters for the PSNI; however, my department will continue to engage with the PSNI where appropriate to ensure safe and effective policing.

Whilst the policy and legislative framework which governs police officer terms and conditions falls under the remit of the Department of Justice, the PSNI has complete operational autonomy. It is, therefore, primarily for the Chief Constable to determine how best to attract potential new recruits to choose a career in the police service.

For my part I will endeavour to support him in achieving those objectives.