Arlene Foster: New NI veterans commissioner a ‘fantastic step forward’

A Northern Ireland Office press advertisement invites interested applicants to apply for the fixed-term three-year position before May 22.

Mrs Foster said: “This is a fantastic step forward not only for those living in Northern Ireland who served in our armed forces but also for their families.

“I commend Mrs Brenda Hale on the sterling work she has done, alongside others, to keep pressing this matter and seeking progress.

“This commissioner has been something we have pressed the government to act on because our veterans need a dedicated champion who will work with the public, private and voluntary sectors to ensure their needs are understood and addressed.”

Mrs Foster added: “This was a commitment from the New Decade New Approach Agreement which led to the restoration of devolution in January. The key focus of the new commissioner must be the full implementation of, including a statutory duty to comply with, the Armed Forces Covenant in Northern Ireland.”

Kenny Donaldson of Innocent Victims United has also welcomed the progess towards appointing a new commissioner.

IVU is an umbrella organisation of 23 member groups with many military veterans included.

Mr Donaldson said: “We welcome that after years of campaigning by groups like ours’, those across the veterans family and also political representatives that we have reached a point where a veterans commissioner for Northern Ireland is being advertised for”.

“It is essential that the veterans’ community have someone appointed who is understanding of their needs, is politically astute and is visionary yet practical – and has the leadership and people skills to command the trust and confidence of those they would seek to represent and advocate for.”