Justice Minister Naomi Long has paid tribute to the exceptional courage and professionalism of police officers who responded to recent terrorist bomb attacks targeting two PSNI stations in Dunmurry and Lurgan.

Speaking at the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) annual conference, the Minister praised the frontline personnel for their swift actions under dangerous conditions.

The Minister said: "The ability of the PSNI officers to immediately and effectively respond in such dangerous circumstances, protecting life and our communities, demonstrates the commitment to the role. Public confidence is strengthened not by the absence of threat, but by the visible competence and bravery of those responding to it."

During her address, Minister Long pledged to enhance legal protections for officers facing violence on duty through the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill, which was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly in March. The proposed legislation creates a specific offence for assaulting individuals performing a public duty or delivering a public service. It introduces increased maximum penalties alongside a statutory aggravator, ensuring that a victim's status as a serving officer is formally factored into sentencing.

The Minister said: "I believe that violence directed at police officers is not only an attack on the individual - it is an attack on the rule of law and on the safety of the wider community.

"As PSNI officers you deserve respect, protection and the full backing of the justice system. Through this Bill, and through continued engagement with policing partners, I will continue to work to ensure that our laws stand firmly behind those who stand on the frontline for all of us. I remain confident that the Bill will complete its passage before the end of the current mandate and receive Royal Assent shortly thereafter."

The Justice Minister also affirmed that she will continue to advocate for the resources required to run an effective police force, though she acknowledged this effort takes place against a very difficult financial backdrop.

"In this coming year alone, we are projecting resource stabilisation pressures in excess of £100m and that is before taking account of further exceptional liabilities. To be blunt, I have never known the financial picture to be as bad as it is right now. "We cannot overlook the ongoing impact of funding investigations into the legacy of our past. The PSNI estimates the cost of legacy litigation alone to be £100m. That is funding that could be redirected elsewhere to ease some of the significant pressures being felt day in and day out from right across the justice system.

"No other police force has to deal with these hangovers from the past and I am clear that we cannot continue to absorb these costs any longer. We must ensure we have adequate funding to support all investigations and ensure that we can protect our communities in the present. I do not accept that these costs are ours to bear and I am determined that it is the UK Government – not the Executive - that should provide proper and adequate funding to deal with legacy issues."

Minister Long emphasised that despite broader financial constraints, her department has continually prioritised funding allocations for the PSNI.

The Minister said: "Through representations during recent monitoring rounds, we were able to secure additional in year PSNI funding allocations of £69m in 2023-24 and a further £73m in 2024-25.

"My strategic priority is to support the recovery and stabilisation of the workforce, enabling PSNI to recruit, retain and develop high quality officers while working to support morale, wellbeing and operational resilience.

"I am therefore pleased to see the initial impacts of year one of the recovery plan with officer numbers standing at 6,315 as of start of this month up from a historic low of 6,190 towards the end of 2025. While there remains a great deal of work ahead, to achieve a fully recovery for police numbers, it is comforting to see the initial steps of the plan coming to fruition."

Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the PSNI, the Minister concluded by noting the critical role officers have played in maintaining stability and peace through a period of deep regional change.

"PSNI officers have played a central role in supporting peace, stability and public confidence during a period of profound change. Policing in Northern Ireland has never been straightforward, and those who serve here do so in a complex environment shaped by legacy issues, a continuing security threat and intense public and political scrutiny.

"Throughout this period, you have worked tirelessly to protect communities, disrupt organised crime and terrorism and support victims, all whilst responding to the growing range of challenges facing modern policing. You have done so while navigating the expectations that come with policing in a post‑conflict society, where legitimacy, fairness and community trust are paramount."