AQO 2663/22-27

Mr David Honeyford
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 23/10/2025
Answered On Date: 10/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her Department’s projected capital budget needs.

Answer:

AQO 2663 22-27 - ANSWER

Our justice system is currently delivered from facilities that are often antiquated and use outdated technology. A substantial increase in future capital investment is vital if we are to upgrade and modernise the ageing justice estate.

The planned capital projects for the four years, 2026-27 to 2029-30, would cost on average of £270 million each year. This would require significant additional funding above the current £100 million Capital budget for my Department.

These capital bids reflect the costs of a number of key Departmental projects for police, courts, prisons and forensic science, many of which are included within the draft Investment Strategy.

There is an overarching need to further invest in ambitious transformation programmes across the Justice estate and to support and sustain investments in estates, with a focus on rehabilitation and clear invest to save opportunities.