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Fujitsu Holds £775m Contracts Amid Post Office Scandal

Fujitsu, the company implicated in the Post Office Horizon scandal, has been unveiled to hold contracts exceeding £775m with Northern Ireland’s public entities. This revelation underscores the significant presence of the Japanese-owned firm within the region’s civil service, Education Authority, and Libraries NI, despite ongoing scrutiny surrounding its involvement in the scandal.

Background

Fujitsu’s flawed IT system led to the wrongful convictions of numerous postmasters and postmistresses for fraud, a debacle recently portrayed in the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs the Post Office.” Amidst the public inquiry, Fujitsu withdrew from bidding for public sector contracts.

Contract Details

Regarding inquiries, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald disclosed Fujitsu’s extensive involvement, including contracts worth £263m with Stormont departments since 2015. Notably, a recent £485m contract with the Education Authority and a £27m deal with Libraries NI contribute to Fujitsu’s substantial presence in Northern Ireland’s public sector.

Government Oversight

Ms Archibald’s department collaborates closely with the UK Cabinet Office regarding Fujitsu contracts, indicating governmental attention. With Fujitsu employing approximately 600 staff in Northern Ireland and serving as a prominent IT services provider, scrutiny over its influence within the regional public sector intensifies.

Calls for Accountability

Stormont finance committee chair Matthew O’Toole emphasizes the necessity of examining Fujitsu’s prominence in the public sector, urging transparency regarding the circumstances leading to its significant role. Amidst revelations of Fujitsu’s involvement in the Horizon scandal, scrutiny and accountability from senior officials become imperative.

Continued Contracts Amidst Controversy

Despite the Horizon scandal, the Education Authority stands firm on its decision not to review Fujitsu’s contract for a ‘school management system,’ signed off in December last year, underscoring the complexities of contractual relationships amidst public scrutiny.

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