Speeches by Swann.

“So the majority of it is coming back to Northern Ireland schemes, or supports in regard to that.”

“When you said several million, then, what would be the split between formal and informal? What sort of percentage is formal and gets returned to Treasury?”

“T2. The Foreign Secretary has paid tribute to Sir Olly Robbins on a number of occasions. In that case, can I ask what the grounds were for his dismissal and what was contained in his dismissal letter? Was he allowed to state a case against his sacking?”

“I appreciate the steps you are taking to remove that perception of political involvement. Is the political involvement in appointment and recruitment of every position at ACC and above something that the board has considered maybe taking a step back from and allowing a more operational appointment?”

“Just as a final point, then, was the devolution of policing in 2010 detrimental to the PSNI?”

“It has been successful in the second round?”

“What was that for?”

“Thanks, gentlemen, for your honesty and frankness in your answers so far. It is always refreshing for this Committee to hear that. Can I ask about the relationship that the PSNI has with this Committee, the Executive, the Policing Board and NIO? You are looking to a lot of people with regard to your engagements. There …”

“Following on from that point, Sinead, and no reflection on anybody currently in post or previously in post as chair or vice-chair, it is a very small pool because it is only from the independent members. Is there any consideration of looking for the chair and vice-chair as an independent recruitment process, possibly w…”

“Brendan, you mentioned the transformation projects that PSNI has on the go at the minute. When the Executive was reformed in January 2024, there was a transformation funding pot allocated to the Executive. Has PSNI been able to access that, bid for it or get any money from it?”

“Just on that point, are you now saying to this Committee that the PSNI will not be in a position to release that information in a timely manner in the way that will be required?”

“As the board has as well.”

“Good morning, folks. Thank you very much for that very quick overview of the past 25 years of policing in Northern Ireland. I do not think any of us underestimates the dedication and support of our officers, the work of the board and especially, as you say, that political leadership that is needed. Representing a party…”

“What happens if—and this is a hypothetical “if”—the Department or the Justice Minister came out and was critical of some of the steps that you have taken in the last 12 months or said that they have not met their expectations? As Gavin said, it is leaving you carrying the can at this minute in time.”

“Sinead, you used the words that you are taking comfort. What is that in regard to?”

“The Northern Ireland Office and the Treasury are doing an open book exercise on how all the Departments of the Northern Ireland Executive are spending their block grant allocations. Will the Secretary of State commit to publishing their findings?”

“Going back to the report, it also stated that the board has an excessive workload, often at the expense of sustained follow-up, strategic focus and direction, and achieving tangible outcomes. What changes in your operation have you made or are you making to make sure there is that more strategic oversight?”

“That is the concern, but I point out that the Windsor framework was negotiated and implemented by the previous Government, who left Northern Ireland in this current situation. When I was in post, I received reassurances from the previous Government and from this Government. I would like to be in a place that I can take…”

“3. What guidance her Department has provided to police forces on the application of public order legislation in relation to the expression of religious beliefs.”

“Well, it was Democratic Unionist party MPs who were prepared to oppose the Bill in this House while their MLAs supported it back in the Northern Ireland Assembly. That was a strange mixture, but that is where we are and that is where they are at this minute. I am assured that DUP MLAs support this legislation applying …”