The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has welcomed the publication of the Police Bill as an important first step to inclusive policing arrangements.
It particularly welcomed measures to address the under-representation of Catholics in the police. It also praised the Bill for bringing policing bodies within the scope of statutory duties concerning equality of opportunity and good relations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, 1998.
"The commission urges that steps be taken to increase the representation of all groups under-represented in the police service, and that includes Catholics, women, minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and persons of differing sexuality," said its chief commissioner, Ms Joan Harbinson.