Break-in prompts protection demands from PSNI

Ninety-two applications have been received from police officers in Northern Ireland to move home in the wake of the break-in at Castlereagh Police Station earlier this year, it emerged tonight.

In a written response to a parliamentary question from Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson, Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy confirmed that there had been 92 applications from police officers and their families to relocate following the break-in at the Special Branch office in East Belfast in March.

The St Patrick’s Night burglary on March 17 was blamed on the IRA which denied the allegations.

Although a number of people have been questioned, no one has been charged with the Castlereagh break-in.

Republicans were also accused last month of spying in the Northern Ireland Office and at Stormont in allegations which forced the suspension of devolution by the Government.

In his written reply, the Northern Ireland Secretary confirmed that the number of applications since April under the government’s special protection scheme was 169 at a cost of £17.7m.

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson claimed the number of applications showed the seriousness of the break-in at the Special Branch office.

“I am absolutely horrified by these figures and I hope those nationalists and political commentators who have tried to downplay the significance of what happened in Castlereagh Police Station will realise the cost both in human terms and financial,” he said.

“I hope they realise just how significant this event has been with almost 100 police officers and their families having to move home.

“The fact that some 169 people have had to move home so far this year also indicates the continuing level of terrorist violence and activity and underlines the need for paramilitary disbandment.

“When you look at the huge cost, £17.7m, that is quite startling and when you consider that Martin McGuinness and Bairbre de Brun during devolution were in charge of the two largest spending departments in the Northern Ireland Executive, then Sinn Fein needs to consider what could have been done in the education system and health service with the £17.7m which has been squandered because of the actions of IRA/Sinn Fein.”