The PSNI is offering Irish language GCSE courses to all its officers and civilian staff.

The move comes as pressure mounts on police chiefs to do more to promote the language.

At last week’s West Belfast District Policing Partnership (DPP) meeting it was revealed that two officers based in the West of the city now speak Irish to A-Level standard.

It also emerged that the PSNI has written to all schools in the area to make them aware that Citizenship And Safety Education (CASE) booklets are available in Irish.

“In addition, police and support staff have the opportunity to enroll on two-year GCSE Irish language programmes. There are currently 15 personnel in the second year of this programme,” said a PSNI spokesman.

DPP member and Irish language activist Rosaleen McClorey welcomed the PSNI’s foray into the Irish language.

However, she insisted police have to do more to engage with members of the public who plump for Irish as their first language.

Not everyone on the DPP was impressed with the PSNI’s efforts.

DUP councillor William Humphrey said at a time when police are juggling resources its energies should be focused on lowering crime rates and not promoting languages.

“With reduced resources and limited police numbers all resources need to be focused on tackling crime,” he said.