Judith Thompson appointed Victims' Commissioner for another 12 months

By Q Radio News

The Secretary of State, Julian Smith  has reappointed the victims' commissioner Judith Thompson for another 12 months.

Many victims and survivors have hit out at Mrs Thompson in recent weeks, due to advice she presented to the NIO about a Troubles pension.

It gave no distinction between victims of terrorist attacks and those who had been hurt while carrying out attacks.

Kenny Donaldson is spokesman for Innocent Victim's United.

He says Mr Smith's decision - is yet another kick in the teeth for victim's and survivors here:

Kenny Donaldson, Spokesman for Innocent Victims United stated: "Today's announcement by the NIO is sadly a further illustration of the contempt with which innocent victims/survivors of terrorism are held. The NIO are out of touch with the largest constituency of victims/survivors, this was evident over the period of the Legacy Consultation process and today's cowardly announcement is but a continuance of that policy".

"27 victims groups openly and publicly stated their lack of confidence and trust in the leadership offered by the existing Victims Commissioner, the three main unionist political parties were clear that the Commissioner needed to cease her period in office and others were public in their opposition to her continuance in the role".

"For five weeks we have sought a meeting with the Secretary of State or appointed senior officials to discuss our grave concerns following the publications of the Commissioner's advice on Pensions for the seriously injured, a two line baseless email was what we were treated to, meanwhile the Commissioner has offered no acknowledgement of the dire situation her Office holds with the largest swathe of victim/survivor sector opinion".

"In making this announcement today the NIO have declared that they couldn't care less that the Commissioner is not fulfilling the very remit to which she was appointed under statute to fulfil - the Commissioner does not hold the confidence and trust of large swathes of those she is supposedly in place to advocate on behalf and she refuses to represent the case for policy change on a range of victim/survivor related issues".

"Given that the NIO have refused to meet with us we ask publicly; was the request for extension for a further term of four years or the 12 month extension that has been granted? The NIO is increasingly becoming a damaged brand and the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith MP has immense work ahead if he is to rebuild confidence with our constituency," concluded Mr Donaldson.

In August 2015 Judith was first appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister as Commissioner for victims and survivors of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

This role was established by legislation in 2006 and its principle aim is to promote the interests of victims and survivors.

The Commissioner has six statutory duties:

1.The Commissioner shall promote awareness of matters relating to the interests of victims and survivors and of the need to safeguard those interests.

2. The Commissioner shall keep under review, the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice affecting the interests of victims and survivors.

3.The Commissioner shall keep under review, the adequacy and effectiveness of services provided for victims and survivors by bodies or persons.

4.The Commissioner shall advise the Secretary of State, the Executive Committee of the Assembly and any body or person providing services for victims and survivors on matters concerning the interests of victims and survivors. As soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a request for advice; and on such other occasions as the Commissioner thinks appropriate;

5.The Commissioner shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the views of victims and survivors are sought concerning the interests of victims and survivors. The Commissioner shall make arrangements for a forum for consultation and discussion with victims and survivors.