21/11/2023

UUP Calls For More Time For Victims Proposal Responses

The Commission for Victims & Survivors has been urged to allow more time for people to respond to their policy paper which proposes a payment scheme for those who were bereaved by Troubles related incidents.

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has made the call after the Commission announced a one-week deadline for responses.

A UUP spokesperson, "One week is not a realistic timeframe for a party response to such an important proposal. While Ulster Unionists are sympathetic in principle to such a scheme, there is a lot of detail to be thought through.

"When Commissioner Ian Jeffers met a group of our MLAs last month, we made clear there were significant areas requiring clarification. The Commission make clear in their proposals that while affordability is a consideration, it is not the Commission's priority. We feel that assertion needs to be tested. Too often victims and survivors have been made promises that were never fulfilled.

"Further, given the news that Mr Jeffers is moving on from the Commission, this is not the time to make such significant decisions. A new Commissioner, once appointed, may take a different approach."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 July 2024
New £1.9m Jobstart Scheme For Over-50s
The Department for Communities has announced a new £1.9 million scheme to help boost employment opportunities for the over-50s. JobStart 50+ will provide around 180 jobs across a range of sectors in a 'test and learn' pilot exercise funded by the UK government.
29 July 2024
£330,000 Resurfacing Scheme To Begin In Ballymoney
A £330,000 carriageway resurfacing and footway scheme on the B66 Knock Road, Ballymoney, is set to begin on Monday 5 August 2024. The resurfacing project will cover the stretch from Lisconnan Road to the 30mph limit outside Dervock. A road closure will be in effect from 07:00 to 18:30 daily, from Monday 5 August 2024, to Friday 16 August 2024.
17 July 2024
DUP Welcomes Repeal Of NI Troubles Act 2023
The DUP has welcomed the Government's decision to repeal the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP said that in a society where there is so much hurt, pain and grief as Northern Ireland's difficult and divisive legacy is addressed "it is important that the hope of justice remains".
06 September 2024
NI's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan Resigns
Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan has resigned. In a statement he said he "cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require". He said he stood down from the post following an "open and frank conversation" with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.
06 September 2024
Other News In Brief
Work To Commence On £453,000 Resurfacing Project In Kilrea Work is to commence on a £453,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project on the New Row in Kilrea. The work is to start on Monday, 09 Septmebr.