Menu
05/08/2005
Calls for RIR widows fund review
Ulster Unionist Fermanagh & South Tyrone assembly member, Tom Elliott, has called on the government to urgently review its decision not to award extra funding to the widows of UDR and RIR soldiers killed during Northern Ireland's 'Troubles'.
The Government confirmed earlier this week that no extra fund would be set up for widows and relatives of UDR and RIR soldiers as they were already well cared for and that their current benefits were similar to those paid by police.
However, in a statement, Mr Elliott, who served for almost 20 years in the UDR, said he was "absolutely disgusted" at the government’s decision and its handling of the issue.
"These families do not deserve such shabby treatment from their government," the MLA said.
“The UDR and RIR Home Battalions were unique among British army regiments in so much as they were expected to police the communities in which they lived. These soldiers could not return to the relative safety of the barracks at the end of their shift - nor could they be rotated out of harm’s way.
“The families of the men and women who gave their lives to protect their communities should expect sympathy and consideration. I am calling on the Ministry of Defence to urgently overturn this callous and appalling decision, and to take immediate steps to establish a widows fund.”
The Ministry of Defence said benevolent funds were in place in both regiments to aid individual cases of hardship.
The Royal Irish Regiment was formed in 1992, with the merger of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment.
(MB/SP)
The Government confirmed earlier this week that no extra fund would be set up for widows and relatives of UDR and RIR soldiers as they were already well cared for and that their current benefits were similar to those paid by police.
However, in a statement, Mr Elliott, who served for almost 20 years in the UDR, said he was "absolutely disgusted" at the government’s decision and its handling of the issue.
"These families do not deserve such shabby treatment from their government," the MLA said.
“The UDR and RIR Home Battalions were unique among British army regiments in so much as they were expected to police the communities in which they lived. These soldiers could not return to the relative safety of the barracks at the end of their shift - nor could they be rotated out of harm’s way.
“The families of the men and women who gave their lives to protect their communities should expect sympathy and consideration. I am calling on the Ministry of Defence to urgently overturn this callous and appalling decision, and to take immediate steps to establish a widows fund.”
The Ministry of Defence said benevolent funds were in place in both regiments to aid individual cases of hardship.
The Royal Irish Regiment was formed in 1992, with the merger of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
18 April 2002
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
10 March 2006
Special honour announced for former UDR and RIR members
Defence Minister Adam Ingram has today announced that the service of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment is to be formally recognised. The announcement came during Mr Ingram's visit to Drumaad Barracks in Armagh, where he met with RIR soldiers affected by the disbandment of the home service units.
Special honour announced for former UDR and RIR members
Defence Minister Adam Ingram has today announced that the service of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment is to be formally recognised. The announcement came during Mr Ingram's visit to Drumaad Barracks in Armagh, where he met with RIR soldiers affected by the disbandment of the home service units.
05 December 2007
UDR Care Fund Launched
A care service has been launched to help ex UDR and Royal Irish (Home Service) soldiers and their families deal with the legacy of the troubles. The UDR & R Irish (HS) Aftercare Service fulfils a pledge by Government that a welfare organisation would be set up as part of an overall resettlement package.
UDR Care Fund Launched
A care service has been launched to help ex UDR and Royal Irish (Home Service) soldiers and their families deal with the legacy of the troubles. The UDR & R Irish (HS) Aftercare Service fulfils a pledge by Government that a welfare organisation would be set up as part of an overall resettlement package.
15 December 2011
UDR 'Courageous' Says Donaldson
This week's Historical Enquiries Team (HET) report on the tragic Miami Showband Massacre has prompted an MLA and former UDR soldier to defend his ex-regiment's good name.
UDR 'Courageous' Says Donaldson
This week's Historical Enquiries Team (HET) report on the tragic Miami Showband Massacre has prompted an MLA and former UDR soldier to defend his ex-regiment's good name.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
