11 December 2025
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said Justice Minister Naomi Long has acted unprofessionally in raising the hopes of PSNI officers and staff waiting for compensation over the recent data breach.
He was speaking after the Justice Minister said on Wednesday she had secured £119m in funding.
On Thursday the Minister said she had “misspoke”.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“In the latest episode of dysfunction from this Executive, the Justice Minister told the public that she had secured funding for PSNI officers and staff impacted by the recent data breach. On Thursday the Minister had to correct her comments after the Chief Constable was forced to issue a statement contradicting her.
“This is symptomatic of an Executive that rushes to claim credit for the most modest of achievements and then runs from responsibility like it’s a plague. The expectations of police officers and staff who had their most personal data leaked were raised yesterday only to have them dashed hours later because the Minister was more concerned with headlines than delivery. She should apologise.
“I hope to see the Executive agree this funding to get those affected compensated, but we know that ‘subject to Executive agreement’ comes with significant caveats. At this time of year many PSNI officers and staff will be considering their finances and to provide such mixed messaging is highly unprofessional.”