Overview
- Ministers formally ringfenced £119m for payouts, clearing the way for the PSNI to begin settlement preparations.
- Justice Minister Naomi Long missed the approving meeting, with her department citing a rescheduled date and a prior engagement.
- Long had earlier said on the Nolan Show that funding was agreed, later describing the claim as a misstatement.
- Police Federation leaders say six court test cases must conclude before awards are set, making payments unlikely before the next financial year.
- Chief Constable Jon Boutcher welcomed the move, and the deputy first minister has asked the head of the civil service to review measures to reduce future data-breach risk.