PSNI: Federation chair urges "clarity" over officers' pay award
It comes after Mike Nesbitt's announcement yesterday over approval for pay parity for health service staff
Northern Ireland's Police Federation chair Liam Kelly has called for clarity over a pay award for PSNI officers.
It follows comments from Stormont's Justice Minister that she is confident a pay award will be received his year.
However, Naomi Long said she could not overspend on her budget, warning that such behaviour by ministers could lead to an "absolute crisis" next year.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced yesterday (Thursday) that he has been given approval to award pay parity to healthcare workers in the region.
In an interview with Downtown Radio & Cool FM, Mr Kelly said: "Of course I welcome police pay is being talked about.
"But you need to look at the words very closely.
"There's still nothing agreed here.
"The MInister has said she is confident that the PSNI pay deal might be possible by the end of the year but what does that actually mean -is that the end of the financial year or the end of this year as in December 2025?"
And Mr Kelly added that they needed to know that there would not be any further delays.
"I think the Health Minister's announcement yesterday was that the approval was already there and that the money would be paid.
"Unfortunately our officers are still waiting for the same clarity and also the same clarity going forward that our pay is not going to be delayed year on year as it has been over the last 10 years."