A suggestion that the Department of Home Affairs might be scrapped has been ruled out.

The idea was mooted back in 2019 under Howard Quayle’s premiership.

But now the department, which is responsible for the police, probation and fire services, along with government’s communications division, is looking for a permanent chief executive officer.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson said there will be no structural changes to the department.

The Chief Minister and Mrs Poole-Wilson agreed that there is no merit to making any structural changes to the department.

Mrs Poole-Wilson said: ’I am very pleased to confirm that there will be no change to the constitution of the department or its functions. This decision gives us the stability we need to reassure staff and start moving forward with a clear direction set out.

’It allows us to focus our energy on delivering the hugely important pieces of new primary legislation introduced in the last administration - the Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse and Justice Reform Acts.

’I have also been clear with the services in the department that I want to see a renewed focus on digital transformation, using technology to deliver our services more efficiently and effectively.’

Home Affairs is now advertising for a permanent chief executive officer, a role which has been filled in an interim capacity for the past three years by Dan Davies.

The deadline for applications is March 13.