asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 5 July (WA 75) concerning the proposed Police Service of Northern Ireland College; whether it remains their intention to site the college near Cookstown.[HL6908]

The Government recognise the important role that training plays in the delivery of a policing service to the community and we are fully committed in supporting Patten’s recommendation for a new police training college. This commitment has been demonstrated by the substantial funding of up to £90 million that the Government have earmarked for this project.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board believes that this level of funding is insufficient and Paul Goggins recently met members to agree a way forward. Officials are working with PSNI and the board to consider how funding for the college can be progressed. One possibility is an alternative site and we have been exploring the viability of a number of MoD sites, including Lisanelly.