To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent the Police Service of Northern Ireland is financially structured to enable effective co-operation with the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the Republic of Ireland on Access Northern Ireland and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland. [HL941]

The PSNI receives an overall budget from which it meets the overall costs of policing including any co-operation needed with other organisations. Matters on prioritisation within that budget are a matter for the chief constable.

In addition to this, a further arrangement exists between AccessNl and PSNI, for the disclosure of relevant non-conviction information. This arrangement is subject to a separate funding agreement.