Doug Beattie: handling of victims’ pension scheme ‘shocking’

Troubles victims have been “badly let down” by the delay in establishing the pension scheme, Doug Beattie has said.

The Ulster Unionist vice-chair of the executive office (TEO) committee, and the party’s justice spokesperson, said both the TEO and Northern Ireland Office must urgently provide answers to the affected victims.

“Victims of the Troubles have been very badly let down again,” he said.

“The Victims’ Payment Scheme has been a long running issue and those who have lobbied so hard for it thought they had finally got over the final hurdle.

“It is a total disgrace that just as we are on the cusp of the scheduled date for the Scheme to begin accepting applications, victims are now being told it won’t be going ahead because of a row over who will fund it.”

The pension scheme had been due to open for applications next Friday (May 29).

Mr Beattie added: “I also have serious concerns that the infrastructure to administer the scheme has not even been put in place.

“If the financial issue were to be resolved tomorrow, they would not be in a position to push the button and go live.

“The handling of this has been shocking. We need to urgently hear from the executive office and the Northern Ireland Office. Victims deserve answers.”