Debate contribution: Donaldson Case: Public Confidence in Policing

Debate contribution by Mr Patsy McGlone on 30 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Patsy McGlone
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 30 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Donaldson Case: Public Confidence in Policing
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5653240

Text

Thank you very much for that, Minister. I agree with your sentiments about the investigating officers and, particularly, the victims of those terrible crimes. They came through that and then had to go through a lengthy court ordeal. Recognising the operational independence of the PSNI, can you confirm whether your Department has sought any formal assurance that intelligence-handling protocols were properly applied in the Donaldson case and whether you are satisfied that the existing governance framework is robust enough to prevent failures in any future cases? Are further transparency measures needed to maintain public confidence following such a high-profile case?

100 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2521/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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