The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to set aside £119 million to cover the costs arising from the PSNI data breach, a move described by Justice Minister Naomi Long as a crucial step towards resolving ongoing legal action.
The funding will be allocated to the Department of Justice and is intended to allow the PSNI to progress negotiations with police officers and staff affected by the breach, with the aim of reaching an early settlement.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I welcome The Executive’s decision to commit to providing £119m to the Department to fund the costs of the PSNI data breach. This will enable the PSNI to advance negotiations with police officers and police staff in a timely manner, to bring about an early settlement of the ongoing legal proceedings and ensure that significant additional costs to the public purse are not incurred. I am also mindful of the distress experienced by those affected and I hope that today’s decision will bring reassurance to staff and their families.”
The data breach, which occurred in August 2023, involved the accidental release of personal details relating to all 9,400 PSNI officers and staff. The information was disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information request, published online and later obtained by dissident republicans.
The PSNI has already accepted liability for the breach, with talks on a potential settlement ongoing for more than a year. However, concerns had been raised that the Department of Justice did not have the financial capacity to meet what are expected to be substantial compensation costs.
Six test cases for damages linked to the breach are currently being heard at the High Court. It is hoped that securing the funding will allow the PSNI to make a universal offer to those affected and prevent legal costs from escalating further.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said last week there was “real optimism” that agreement could be reached to set aside the necessary funding, particularly in the absence of further support from the Treasury.
