asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in writing, on 1 June 2011:

(1) Why has the Government restricted awarding the National Police Service Medal (NPSM) to officers retiring on or after the 30 October 2008.

(2) Is it a fact that police officers who have served more then 15 years, but retired before the cut off date above, are ineligible to be awarded the NPSM.