The Northern Ireland Executive has officially committed £119 million to address the financial and legal fallout from the PSNI data breach.

The funding will allow the police service to enter into formal negotiations with officers and civilian staff, aiming for an early settlement to the ongoing legal proceedings that followed the accidental exposure of personal data in 2023.

The breach, which occurred when details of more than 9,000 employees were inadvertently published online, has caused significant distress within the workforce. By securing this allocation, the Department of Justice intends to prevent further escalation of legal costs while providing a clear path toward financial resolution for those affected. Justice Minister Naomi Long stated: "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."

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher described the announcement as a pivotal moment for the service, following extensive lobbying of government stakeholders. The ring-fenced fund is expected to facilitate a structured settlement process starting next year.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "I am absolutely delighted by today's announcement that Ministers have agreed to ring fence £119 million towards compensation for our officers and staff following the data breach. Claimants can now have confidence that a settlement process will progress next year following two years of lobbying numerous stakeholders to get to this position.

"As I stated last week this is a hugely important step in recognising the impact this has had on everyone and it is a signal that the government recognises the seriousness and importance of delivering a fair and timely resolution. I could not be more pleased. We have been aiming to achieve this news since I arrived as Chief Constable.

"I want to personally recognise the exceptional commitment of our officers and staff who every day serve our communities with professionalism, resilience and a deep sense of duty, often in challenging and unseen circumstances. I am immensely proud of the work they do and the dedication they bring to keeping people safe."