The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will allow new recruits to the force to undertake selection tests online, rather than in person as part of a measure to encourage more Catholics to join the force.

Included in the plan is an advertising campaign which will target “cold spots” across Northern Ireland where it has proven particularly difficult to attract people from the Catholic community.

From 875 successful applicants last year, 25% were from a Catholic background, compared to 22% in 2014.

Over 10 years ago, Archbishop Martin began promoting the concept of lay people working in partnership with clergy in running parishes.