Quality policing requires excellent facilities - Alliance

4.50.00pm GMT Tue 12th Dec 2006

Strangford Alliance MLA, Kieran McCarthy

Alliance Assembly member Kieran McCarthy has stated that in order to have top quality policing, Northern Ireland must have world class training facilities. Kieran McCarthy spoke in today's Assembly debate on the proposed new policing college.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "Quality policing requires quality training. We must have world-class facilities so that the next generation of police officers are well equipped to fight crime and terrorism of all forms.

"Garnerville training college is not fit for purpose. It is now past its sell by date and must be replaced to ensure we can train police officers for every eventuality.

"People must not forget that the creation of this new police training college is an essential part of Patten report.

"The British government should be funding this college. However, if the Irish government wish to provide an element of funding we would welcome it. Any funding from Ireland should not absolve the British government from fulfilling their responsibilities."

ENDS