Trimble praises work of Northern Ireland Police Fund

Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has paid a visit to the offices of the Northern Ireland Police Fund which was set up to provide support for disabled police officers as well as for the families of murdered police officers.

During his visit to the Fund’s newly opened offices last Friday, Mr Trimble was updated on the work of the Police Fund which was set up on the back of recommendations in the Report of the Independent Commissioner on Policing.

Praising the Fund’s work, Mr Trimble said: “Through its Disability Support Fund and Bereavement Support Fund this body helps to provide a tangible recognition of the tremendous sacrifices made by police officers and their families over the years. It seeks to go some small way towards repaying the debt that we, as a society, owe the brave men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.”

The Police Fund’s directors and chairman Sir John Semple informed Mr Trimble of their plans to set up a group to address the particular needs of parents of murdered police officers, in line with recommendations made in the Steele Report.

Speaking after his meeting Mr Trimble said: “The latest initiative that the Fund is proposing is one which I believe is worthy of support.

“I have also been impressed by the scope of the Fund’s overall activities, which include efforts to address issues such as the financial hardship being faced by some former officers and their families. In addition, the Fund will act as an enabling body that can help other organisations such as the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust, to continue the excellent work that they are undertaking.”

Mr Trimble added: “I would encourage all those who feel that they are eligible to contact the Fund and take advantage of the wide range of schemes that it is putting in place.”

(AMcE)