News, analysis, and updates on legal reforms, law enforcement, judicial processes, and public safety measures upholding justice in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Justice is considering its next steps on a proposal to make the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die punishable by life imprisonment, following overwhelming public support for the changes. Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed that while the proposals will not […]
Nexus NI has secured a multi-million-pound contract to continue operating Northern Ireland’s 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for the next three years, with the potential to extend until 2031. Announced on 18 February 2026 by the Department of Justice, the award marks the charity’s second time managing the critical
Self-employed workers in Northern Ireland who provide services to vulnerable groups—including private tutors, personal carers, and therapists—can now apply for Enhanced AccessNI checks for the first time, closing a significant gap in safeguarding protections. Justice Minister Naomi Long announced the change on 17 February 2026, confirming that legislative amendments to
Justice Minister Naomi Long has appointed Bria Mongan OBE as Deputy Chair of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI), promoting the experienced social work leader to the body’s second-highest governance role. The appointment comes eleven months into the current Board’s three-year term and marks her transition from ordinary Board
Major reforms to Northern Ireland’s sentencing laws are set to come before the Assembly within weeks, including new measures to help families of murder victims whose remains have never been recovered. The Sentencing Bill, unveiled by Justice Minister Naomi Long on 12 February 2026, represents one of the most significant
Justice Minister Naomi Long has insisted there was “absolutely no data breach” by her department after the names of police officers appeared on publicly accessible online court lists, triggering a precautionary shutdown of the service. The incident, which occurred on 3 February 2026, involved officers pursuing compensation claims against the
Justice Minister Naomi Long has called for sustained collective action to dismantle the stigma and silence surrounding sexual abuse, warning that such crimes thrive on secrecy and societal discomfort. Speaking at the Nexus NI annual conference in Belfast today, Ms Long emphasised that confronting “uncomfortable truths” requires challenging long-held assumptions
The Department of Justice has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Elliott as Chief Executive of Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI). Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the new chief executive, describing FSNI as “a leader in the field of forensic science” and praising its role in underpinning criminal investigations across Northern
Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have awarded almost £30,000 to a west Belfast women’s centre so it can pilot on-site legal and justice advice for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. During a joint visit to Footprints Women’s Centre in Colinmill, both ministers praised the charity’s
Justice Minister Naomi Long has asked the UK Government to tighten controls on adult-services websites that facilitate the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls. In a letter to the Home Office Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, she describes the online trade as a “deeply disturbing
