To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has budgeted for introducing police community support officers to Northern Ireland; and what the budgeted cost of one police officer in Northern Ireland was in the latest period for which figures are available. (302941)

The 2007 comprehensive spending review period (CSR07) runs to 31 March 2011. Based on current plans, the PSNI has not budgeted for the introduction of PCSOs in this period. This was agreed by the Chief Constable and the NI Policing Board in allocating resources for the CSR07 period. The budgeted cost of one police officer in Northern Ireland in 2009-10 is £45,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of introducing police community support officers in Northern Ireland. (302942)

The 2007 comprehensive spending review period (CSR07) runs to 31 March 2011. Based on current plans, the PSNI has not budgeted for the introduction of PCSOs in this period. This was agreed by the Chief Constable and the NI Policing Board in allocating resources for the CSR07 period. The estimated cost of one police community support officer in Northern Ireland is £27,000 per annum but the actual cost would depend on how they were introduced. Decisions on the introduction of PCSOs would be for the Chief Constable and Policing Board.