Terror victims’ anger at latest delay to pension scheme

A decision to further delay a pension scheme for injured Troubles victims will cause “distress” to those expecting payments to commence next week, one victims’ group has said.
By Mark Rainey
Published 21st May 2020, 18:28 BST
A woman who lost both legs when the IRA bombed the Abercorn restaurant in 1972 is one of those angered by the further delay in the Troubles pension. Photo: Pacemaker BelfastA woman who lost both legs when the IRA bombed the Abercorn restaurant in 1972 is one of those angered by the further delay in the Troubles pension. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast
A woman who lost both legs when the IRA bombed the Abercorn restaurant in 1972 is one of those angered by the further delay in the Troubles pension. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast

The scheme had been due to open to applications on May 29, but First Minister Arlene Foster has acknowledged that progress has been hampered amid a stand-off with the UK Government over who should pay for it.

The eligibility criteria has been the cause of deep division among both political parties and some victims’ groups.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While the NI victims’ commissioner has said she believes anyone badly injured should be able to apply for a pension – even if they were involved in staging attacks – government representatives have said there should be a “no fault of their own” clause.

Kenny Donaldson of victims’ group SEFF has questioned why “politics are being played” with terror victims, and said: “Victims and survivors will be deeply aggrieved by this development which cannot legitimately be linked to the ongoing Covid pandemic.”

He added: “Innocent victims and survivors who were seriously injured as a result of a ‘Troubles related incident’ were advised by Government and others that the Scheme would be operational as of May 30, 2020, today’s development will cause a great deal of distress to them.

“Legislation was passed, timelines were committed to and a blueprint around eligibility issues was agreed, there is a legal but also moral obligation upon those responsible to deliver this scheme forthwith.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is understood the Executive Office has yet to appoint a lead department to administer the pension scheme – expected to cost around £100 million.

Jennifer McNern from south Belfast, who lost both her legs in the IRA bomb attack on the Abercorn Restaurant in Belfast in 1972, said the delay would have a “devastating effect” on victims.

“It’s just victims and survivors, especially people living with appalling injuries, just being kicked down the road again,” the 69-year-old said.

“Something or someone is blocking it and, whatever it is, victims and survivors need to know that, they need to be told what it is, the deadline is going to be missed on the 29th, so there needs to be a new and appropriate deadline put in place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am angry and I’m shocked, to tell you the truth, I am pretty dismayed by it all...especially when it’s legislated for, it’s in law.”

She added: “It will happen but I think the important thing to watch here is that it doesn’t drift on for years”.

Arlene Foster said: “This pension was a massive step forward for innocent victims.

“I have spoken with the Secretary of State this afternoon and urged him to stand by the legislation passed in Westminster and fund the pension.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is unseemly that these deserving people are being let down due to the Government not releasing funding. The Northern Ireland Civil Service will administer the Scheme, but Treasury needs to release funds for Northern Ireland to afford the pension.”

The pension criteria is for those who were injured through “no fault of their own” and was to be backdated until December 23, 2014.