To ask the Minister of Justice to detail how her Department is supporting the PSNI to address high sickness absence rates, alongside challenges in recruitment and retention.

I have regular discussions with the Chief Constable regarding the pressures facing the PSNI, including the challenges in managing sick absence, and the pressure this creates in delivering effective policing for our communities. However, the management of staff and sickness absence is primarily the responsibility of the Chief Constable who is accountable to the Policing Board for such operational matters.

I have confidence that it is a priority for the Chief Constable, and I support the efforts he is making to address the issues around absence management, including the development of an in-house mental health service for officers and staff and the introduction of a new absence management policy.

I am also fully committed to supporting the PSNI in order to secure adequate funding for policing in Northern Ireland to support recruitment and retention and avoid discouragement among officers who continue to perform a difficult role in challenging circumstances. The PSNI Recovery Business Case has been approved on value for money grounds and I continue to engage regularly with the Department of Finance and wider Executive on the funding needed to deliver it in full. All parties around the Executive table have said that policing is a priority and it is vital that that commitment is matched by the funding the PSNI needs.