Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Bannside (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Wednesday, 27 June 2007 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Police Service

Question: Surely the Minister should also keep in mind the large percentage of Protestants that applied to become policemen and passed all their examinations, but got a letter saying that because of their religion they could not have a place in the police force.

Answer: I acknowledge to the right hon. Gentleman that precisely 708 non-Catholic applicants finished higher in the merit pool than Catholic applicants who were appointed. I know that it is disappointing for the individuals involved, but it is very important that the PSNI fully reflect the composition of the community. More than anyone, the right hon. Gentleman will understand that that underpins the new political settlement in Northern Ireland.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 462 c316
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Catholicism Recruitment Police Service of Northern Ireland Religion Protestantism
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk