The question was raised in relation to the Government’s Post Office (Horizon Systems) Offences Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament.
Ms Bunting is Chair of the Assembly’s Justice Committee and she raised the issue with the Lady Chief Justice at today’s meeting.
Joanne Bunting said, “The comments from the Lady Chief Justice are very welcome, and particularly to those Post Masters in Northern Ireland who were wrongly convicted as part of this scandal.
Respect for devolution is important, but it is important that we do not place unnecessary barriers in the path of an outcome which can be achieved quickly and efficiently in this case. The Lady Chief Justice did recognise that it would be unfortunate to think of people in Northern Ireland being left in a different place to those in England who will benefit from this legislation.
There is strong political support for Westminster to include Northern Ireland within the legislation and this clarity in relation to the judicial system now leaves the path clear for progress to be made.”