Victims’ pension: Any more SF delaying tricks and they must be punished

We have been insistent that there be no fudging of the eligibility issue, and we continue to insist this be the case.

The recent High Court ruling by Judge McAlinden was scathing of the Deputy First Minister’s behaviour and that of Sinn Fein; he found that the blocking of the scheme was politically motivated and unlawful. The nonsense needs to end from Sinn Fein.

Stop the lie that ex-prisoners are being discriminated against. Convicted terrorists have access to an NHS, welfare benefits and many other services courtesy of the UK nation, like every other citizen, law abiding or otherwise.

We welcome confirmation that the Department of Justice will administer the scheme – it’s the most appropriate option. The justice minister’s claims that the scheme could cost up to £800m is significantly higher than the £130-150m suggested throughout the campaign for recognition and since. It is important immediate work is done in resolving why the disparity exists.

We’ve stated our view that the UK government should centrally provide finance for the historical payments due victims/survivors from the period of Stormont House in 2014 to the point the Executive was restored, with Stormont then picking up the tab thereafter.

The UK Government should also factor into the block grant the need for a top-up to facilitate the paying of pensions to British citizens outside the immediate reaches of the NI Executive – in other parts of the UK, mainland Europe and further afield.

We also repeatedly made the case that the threshold for psychological injury eligibility must be higher than the 14% threshold for physical injury, otherwise the floodgates could open.

A 14% psychological injury relates to mild mental health difficulties [currently the government operates a percentage system based on how disabled someone is; 14% is about equivalent to losing an index finger].

We acknowledge the efforts of Jennifer McNern and the broader Injured Group in bringing forth the recent High Court case and for their efforts over the last decade.

We commend their courage along with many other seriously injured innocent victims/survivors who have spoken up and pressed the need for change.

Any further gamesmanship by Sinn Fein must result in sanctions upon that party.

Innocent victims must not suffer any further pain and hardship as a result of their ‘ourselves alone’ approach.

Kenny Donaldson is the South East Fermanagh Foundation’s Director of Services, and a spokesman for Innocent Victims United

Ramore restaurant row: Stephen Nolan wonders if health workers effectively banned from all restaurants

The unionist community is getting older, shrinking, and needs to get serious about the future

________________________

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor