Horizon Northern Ireland Postmasters 2024-05-02
2024-05-02
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Postmasters in Northern Ireland have been affected by errors in the Horizon IT system, leading to wrongful convictions and financial damage.
What steps her Department is taking to support postmasters affected by errors in the Horizon IT system in Northern Ireland. The Government agreed a Bill including convictions in Northern Ireland on Monday, ensuring that postmasters there receive exoneration and compensation on a UK-wide basis.
On Monday, the House agreed a Government amendment to include convictions in Northern Ireland in the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill. The amendment ensures that postmasters receive exoneration and access to compensation on a UK-wide basis.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for steps being taken by the department, but the answer was limited to confirming an amendment to the Bill without providing specific measures or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Postmasters in Northern Ireland have been affected by errors in the Horizon IT system, leading to wrongful convictions and financial damage.
The Government agreed a Bill including convictions in Northern Ireland on Monday. Will the Minister outline a timeline so that postmasters across all of Northern Ireland can see an end to reputational and financial damage caused by the Horizon scheme?
It is our intention that the legislation will clear both Houses by July. If this happens as expected, the convictions will be quashed in July and compensation redress will be paid from August.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy