What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Ministry of Justice in relation to the return of the money deducted from the compensation of Michael O’Brien and others to cover board and lodge after being wrongly convicted and imprisoned?
WQ94347 has been transferred to me to answer and I am therefore replying to both these questions together.
The case of Michael O’Brien is indeed a tragically sad miscarriage of justice. I have every sympathy with those wrongly accused and found guilty of this, and indeed any, crime. I know that addressing the Justice System is a key priority for the new Government in Westminster and we will have extensive discussions with them about the performance of the justice system in forthcoming months.