RUC Reserve Gratuity Has 'Sting In Tail'

Delight turned to fear at the weekend as it became clear that the security of many former Part-Time Reserve RUC officers has been compromised after receiving information about their long-awaited gratuity payments.

When some officers received their correspondence, the words 'Part-time Reserve Gratuity Payment' were visible through the plastic window on the envelope.

This afternoon, the Justice Minister David Ford has addressed security concerns following the issue of letters to recipients.

In a statement he said the Department has been informed that a number of letters in respect of the Part Time Reserve Gratuity would allow anyone looking at the envelope to see that the individual was connected to the Part Time Reserve (PTR).

David Ford said: "I have initiated an urgent security assessment and have established a helpline for individuals who have concerns.

"In addition, a review is being conducted into the circumstances of how this regrettable incident occurred," said, adding that any recipient of the PTR Gratuity Scheme letter who has concerns about their personal security can contact the Department of Justice helpline on 028 90522444.

The statement came just hours after Ian McCrea, the DUP MLA for Mid Ulster and a member of the NI Policing Board, said that while former reservists are delighted to receive this long overdue payment, he was "shocked by this gross error".

"It is not acceptable that such basic security measures were not put in place when letters were being dispatched." he fumed.

"I know from my own perspective, as an elected representative, that when sending information of a personal nature to my constituents that you must be cautious, especially when communicating with former members of the security service.

"The Justice Minister and Chief Constable must work together to deal with this matter.

"Those former officers affected should have all options open to them including the re-housing scheme if the security breach is deemed to be of such significance," he continued.

The Ulster Unionist Party is also calling for an urgent meeting with both the Chief Constable and the Justice Minister.

They said that over 6,000 officers who served in the RUC Part-Time Reserve have successfully applied for a one-off recognition payment for their services, as part of a £20m gratuity scheme secured prior to the devolution of policing and justice.

Taxing Time

The other 'sting' is the disappointment that HM Revenue has decided to deduct Tax and National Insurance from each payment.

DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said this "was not in the spirit of the agreement at Hillsborough and is a disappointing decision by the Government".

He said that the First Minister, Peter Robinson - the DUP party Leader - has written to the NI Secretary of State outlining grave dissatisfaction with this matter and has asked that it be reversed. "It is only right and proper that the Part-Time Reservists are dealt with on the same grounds as other former members of the security forces," he said, noting that no tax or other deductions were made from full time RUC or UDR gratuities.

However, he said, "An injustice has now been righted and those who gave so sacrificially in the darkest days of our past are being recognised for their service.

"It is also right to recognise the hard work of the Part-Time Reserve Welfare Group who campaigned very effectively to achieve this recognition for their colleagues and their efforts have been well rewarded," concluded the former UDR part time soldier.

See: Taxing Time For RUC Reservists

(BMcC/GK)