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25/03/2005
PSNI to get new plastic baton round
The PSNI is to adopt a new plastic baton round following backing from the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
In a statement released on Friday the board said the decision to replace the baton round with an 'attenuated energy projectile' was subject to conditions which include consultations with the Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and other bodies.
Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea said the use of plastic baton rounds was of real importance to many people across Northern Ireland, “not least those who have in the past suffered loss or harm to their family members and friends, and the board acknowledges this.” The new plastic baton round presented "less risk of causing serious or fatal harm," he added.
SDLP board member Alex Attwood said that his party had opposed the decision saying there had been "inadequate medical assessments on the impact of this weapon on children".
However, Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly accused the SDLP “of once again acquiescing to the continuing use of plastic bullets by the PSNI”.
“The SDLP in public have consistently claimed to be opposed to the use of plastic bullets,” Mr Kelly said. “They told us that through membership of the Policing Board they would ensure the removal of plastic bullets.
“Yet on the Policing Board they have previously rubber stamped the purchase of thousands of these devices. Yesterday the Policing Board voted to introduce a new plastic bullet, the SDLP made noise but were ultimately powerless to prevent this and will without doubt go along with the decision of the Board.”
(MB/SP)
In a statement released on Friday the board said the decision to replace the baton round with an 'attenuated energy projectile' was subject to conditions which include consultations with the Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and other bodies.
Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea said the use of plastic baton rounds was of real importance to many people across Northern Ireland, “not least those who have in the past suffered loss or harm to their family members and friends, and the board acknowledges this.” The new plastic baton round presented "less risk of causing serious or fatal harm," he added.
SDLP board member Alex Attwood said that his party had opposed the decision saying there had been "inadequate medical assessments on the impact of this weapon on children".
However, Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly accused the SDLP “of once again acquiescing to the continuing use of plastic bullets by the PSNI”.
“The SDLP in public have consistently claimed to be opposed to the use of plastic bullets,” Mr Kelly said. “They told us that through membership of the Policing Board they would ensure the removal of plastic bullets.
“Yet on the Policing Board they have previously rubber stamped the purchase of thousands of these devices. Yesterday the Policing Board voted to introduce a new plastic bullet, the SDLP made noise but were ultimately powerless to prevent this and will without doubt go along with the decision of the Board.”
(MB/SP)
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MLA Criticises Ardoyne 'Riot' Parents
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New Board Members Appointed To NI Screen
The appointment of eight new Board Members to NI Screen has been announced. Following open competition, Michael Catto, Adeline Dinsmore, Jennifer Johnston, Michael Kuhn, Fiona MacMillan, Aódán Mac Póilin, Laurence McKeown and Ian Parsley have been appointed as Board Members.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
