AQW 45216/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/04/2026
Answered On Date: 15/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any assessment that has been made of the financial risks to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, if holiday pay liabilities are not resolved in a timely manner.

Answer:

Holiday pay is a cross-departmental issue requiring engagement with the Executive and the Department of Finance to explore potential funding options.

My officials are currently considering the PSNI Holiday Pay business case which must satisfy the requisite approvals process, including approval by the Department of Finance. The business case includes a risk appraisal of the potential financial risks to the PSNI, including on delay, if holiday pay liabilities are not resolved in a timely manner.

While I cannot give a definitive timeframe at this stage, I want to reassure you that my officials are working closely and constructively with the PSNI to progress the Holiday Pay business case as quickly as possible.

However, I would stress that Holiday Pay is an exceptional pressure that is wholly unaffordable under any circumstances within existing or future PSNI and Department of Justice baseline budgets.