LISTEN: Troubles pension to open for applications in June

by Q Radio News

It's hoped a long awaited pension for people badly injured during the Troubles will open for applications at the end of June. 

Justice McAlinden, who is head of the panel that rules who will qualify for the scheme, announced his intention today to open the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment scheme for applications from 30 June 2021. 

The scheme is already running more than a year behind schedule.

A dispute between Stormont and Westminster over how the compensation scheme should be funded, was recently resolved following a legal challenge. 

The Executive Office for Northern Ireland has formally pledged to pay for the pension which could cost up to £1.2 billion over the next 20 years. 

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have welcomed the confirmation of an opening date for the Victims’ Payments Scheme.

The First Minister Arlene Foster said: “It is encouraging that a date has now been set for the opening of the scheme. This is something that has been long-awaited by victims and survivors and all of us who support them.

“There is undoubtedly hard work ahead but we take heart from the progress made with both administrative arrangements and engagement as highlighted by Mr Justice McAlinden, President of the Victims’ Payments Board.

“We urge the Board to move with the greatest possible speed to provide both the recognition and payments that are rightfully owed.”

The deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I welcome the confirmation of an opening date for the scheme, which is a significant step forward for victims and survivors.

“There are countless people across our society who continue to live with the lasting impacts of the conflict. It is important that their pain and suffering is acknowledged; and that they receive the payments to which they are entitled.

“I hope today’s announcement will bring some comfort to those who are eligible for this support and I very much hope we see payments being made as quickly as possible when the scheme becomes operational.”

The Ministers reemphasised that payments will be made to successful applicants as soon as they fall due and restated their firm commitment to progressing financial discussions with the Westminster Government regarding their funding responsibilities for the scheme.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill alongside First Minister Arlene Foster

Victims campaigner Paul Gallagher says today marks another milestone on this long journey for people injured during the Troubles. 

However, he said he finds it concerning that victims are being "framed as a drain" on NHS resources.

It comes after Finance Minister Conor Murphy said his  department would make the necessary funding available to ensure eligible victims and survivors are compensated but warned it could have an impact on other departments' budgets in future, including the department of Health.

Mr Gallagher said, "We really need to thank the board for today's announcement and I hope the application process hits the ground running. 

"However, as someone who has been involved in this for a nearly decade - it is still very concerning to hear how funding issues are being framed at Stormont. 

"All this talk of funding for government departments like health for example, being "top sliced" to pay for this scheme runs the real risk of pinning victims against the rest of the community and that's really unfair."

(Paul Gallagher, Victims campaigner with Wave Trauma group - above speaking to Q Radio and pictured below)

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed Justice McAlinden's announcement. 

She said, “I have said from the outset, when I agreed that my department could be designated to administer the scheme, that I shared the frustration of those who have been waiting for delivery of this important scheme and that we would do everything in our power to move things forward.

“Much progress has been made since then and I am grateful to the President and members of the Victims’ Payments Board for their commitment to make the scheme operational."

Justice Minister @naomi_long welcomes Justice McAlinden's intention to open the Troubles pension for applications on 30th June. pic.twitter.com/nNZrtJMQjb

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 27, 2021