Question
It is my understanding that Dalradian Gold, a gold exploration company, had previously paid costs to PSNI in respect of services provided to the company in their use of explosives, however I have recently been advised that PSNI no longer seek costs for these services.
PSNI have previously advised that this decision was taken following legal advice which determined that these services were deemed to be security related and therefore they do not fall under the banner of ‘Special Police Services’, which are chargeable. I believe that a review of the policy around the operational delivery of these services was carried out by PSNI in 2022.
Can the Chief Constable provide details of the outcome of that review and if the situation outlined above has changed as a result?
Please also provide a copy of the report if it is publicly available.
Answer
In 2022 a review was conducted into the PSNI’s responsibilities around the licencing, transport, and use of explosives within Northern Ireland with a view to identifying internal recommendations regarding future operations and resourcing.
As part of the review the PSNI consulted externally with key partners such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). This consultation was due to the fact that these bodies carry out roles which are inextricably linked to the services that PSNI deliver.
The PSNI continue to deliver these services around the licencing, transport, and use of explosives within Northern Ireland
The review is not publicly available and did not include the subject of charging for PSNI services relating to explosives.
The PSNI had previously invoiced Dalradian Gold in respect of services provided to the company in their use of explosives in the belief that such services constituted ‘Special Police Services’ and were therefore chargeable.
Dalradian however never actually made any payments to PSNI at any stage.
Following the receipt of legal advice which determined that these services were deemed to be security related and therefore do not fall under the banner of ‘Special Police Services’ legal efforts to seek reimbursement for all the outstanding invoices were ceased with immediate effect.
Les Allamby