In a review hearing yesterday, the High Court was told that despite a business case for a universal offer being approved by the Departments of Justice and Finance, the PSNI couldn’t make such offer as the total figure was not affordable within its current funding.

Partner and head of litigation at Edwards Solicitors, Philip Gordon, said: “Our firm represents the majority of claimants in this high-profile case. We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that it has taken until now for the PSNI to raise such a crucial issue.

“The data breach took place just over two years ago and proceedings were issued in October 2023. On numerous occasions, the Court was told that a “universal offer” was pending, subject to approval, without any mention of funding issues.

“To learn only now that funding to allow a resolution remains in dispute is not acceptable for those affected by the data breach. Our clients, who had their personal details published online, are left in limbo by this failure to offer to them what has been approved.

“We will now be focusing our efforts on the test cases which are listed for hearing for four days in November and will continue to press for resolution to funding issues so that a universal offer can be made without further delay.”