Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998

32 Police Association for Northern Ireland

(1) There shall continue to be a Police Association for Northern Ireland for the purpose of representing members of the police force in all matters affecting their welfare and efficiency, except for—

(a) questions of promotion affecting individuals; and

(b) (subject to subsection (2)) questions of discipline affecting individuals.

(2) The Police Association may represent a member of the police force at any proceedings brought under regulations made in accordance with section 25(3) or 26(3) or on an appeal from any such proceedings.

(3) Except on such an appeal or as provided by regulations made as mentioned in subsection (2), a member of the police force may only be represented under subsection (2) by another member of the police force.

(4) The Police Association shall be entirely independent of, and subject to subsection (5) unassociated with, any body or person outside the police services of the United Kingdom, but may employ persons outside those services in an administrative or advisory capacity.

(5) The Secretary of State—

(a) may authorise the Police Association or a section thereof to be associated with a person or body outside the police services of the United Kingdom in such cases and manner, and subject to such conditions and restrictions, as he may specify; and

(b) may vary or withdraw an authorisation previously given;

and anything for the time being so authorised shall not be precluded by subsection (4).