'Anger across the PSNI's ranks is palpable': Naomi Long under fire after appearing to announce £119m PSNI data breach compensation fund that doesn't exist yet - Justice Department silent as Chief Constable forced to issue statement contradicting his earlier one
Naomi Long is under fire after appearing to announce a £119m PSNI compensation fund that doesn’t yet exist.
During an appearance on BBC Radio’s Stephen Nolan programme this morning, the Justice Minister said the Stormont Executive had “agreed, failing a change of heart from Treasury” to ring-fence around £119m for a data breach that hit every single PSNI officer and member of staff, adding compensation settlement offers would be made next year.
“We have set aside money for that,” she said.
Her announcement led Chief Constable Jon Boutcher to issue a statement welcoming the compensation pot – only to hours later issue another one saying it still isn’t nailed down.
“It is disappointing to learn that the funding has not yet been agreed by the Executive for data breach compensation, which I know will be a further blow to the our officers and staff,” said the PSNI’s top officer this afternoon.
“We appreciate the minister’s continued efforts to secure agreement from the Executive and we remain determined that a positive resolution can still be achieved.
“I will continue to lobby for this funding for our officers and staff who every day serve our communities with professionalism, resilience and a deep sense of duty.”
The situation led to Mrs Long coming under fire from the UUP, who accused her of jumping the gun on an issue that affects all 9,483 PSNI officers and staff.
Said MLA Alan Chambers: “It is nothing short of astounding that the Justice Minister went on radio and asserted as fact that the Executive has agreed to fund the PSNI data breach compensation when no such decision has been taken.
“This wasn’t a minor slip or a misunderstanding; it was a serious and wholly inaccurate claim made on a live broadcast, and has caused confusion and real frustration among those who were led to believe progress had finally been secured.
“The anger across PSNI ranks today is palpable. It’s impossible to measure the damage this will cause to morale, not only to officers on the ground but to civilian staff.”
The Department of Justice was contacted, but has yet to answer the News Letter’s questions.
The breach saw hidden details on a spreadsheet sent out as part of a freedom of information request reveal the surnames, initials, ranks and roles of all PSNI officers and staff, information assumed to now be in the hands of dissident republicans.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd said the Executive will “have to deal” with costs of the breach.