To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) her assessment of the impact of sickness absence in the PSNI and the ability to ensure communities are kept safe; (ii) any conversations she has had with the Chief Constable in relation to this; and (iii) what support he has asked from her Department to improve the situation.

(i) Resourcing within the PSNI remains a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I respect the Chief Constable’s operational independence and the role of the Policing Board, therefore it would not be appropriate for me to make an assessment of what are operational matters.

(ii) I met with the Chief Constable and Chair of the Poling Board on 1 May 2024 to discuss the pressures facing the PSNI, challenges in managing sick absence within the PSNI, and the pressures these create in delivering effective policing for our communities. I have confidence that it is a priority for the Chief Constable and as such is receiving the appropriate attention.

(iii) My department has regular engagement with the PSNI on this and other issues and I will continue to work with the Chief Constable to ensure we have a police service that is properly resourced in all aspects for the challenges it faces.