Security Minister 'impressed' by Police Fund

The Security Minister has visited the new Northern Ireland Police Fund at Maryfield, Belfast, and received the Fund's report on its activities.

Jane Kennedy was met by Fund Chairman Sir John Semple, Director of the Fund Lord Rogan and other directors and staff. The minister also took the opportunity to meet a number of former police officers who had been helped by the Fund.

Jane Kennedy said the Fund's initial progress report had made "impressive reading".

She added: "In setting up the new support group for parents of murdered police officers the fund will also meet a need in our society and I would urge those who feel such a group could be of some help to them to get in touch with the Fund.

"The Fund has been set up to help police officers and their families who have been directly affected by terrorism and much progress has already been made in this important work. I was particularly pleased to be able to meet some of the individuals today that the Fund has been able to help.

"I am confident the Fund will provide much needed support and I look forward to being kept informed of its work through the weeks and months ahead," she added.

The Police Fund was set up as part of the Patten Report and aims to help seriously injured and retired officers, and their families, as well as police widows, who have suffered as direct a result of terrorism.

(GMcG)