To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on recent violent attacks; and if he will make a statement. (155070)

We are in regular discussion with the PSNI in relation to a variety of policing matters, including instances of violence.

The PSNI policing plan for 2007-08 includes a target for reducing violent crime by two percentage points. Violent crime this year to date is showing a reduction of 18.2 per cent. in comparison to the same period last year.