07/08/2008
£36m For Victims' Strategy
Members of the Northern Ireland Executive have unveiled plans for a £36million victims' money pot, set aside to deal with the needs brought forward by sufferers of the Troubles.
The strategy has outlined a blueprint of how those sitting around the Executive table hope to deal with the sensitive issue of victims.
The plans include the formation of three main bodies. A Victims' Commission, already a controversial area; a Victims' Forum; and a Victims' Service.
Sinn Fein Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: "We want to ensure that future support and services are shaped by victims and survivors. It is important that everyone with an interest in victims’ and survivors’ issues read this draft document carefully and gives us their views."
Mr Kelly’s DUP counterpart Jeffery Donaldson said: "Today marks another important step forward for the Executive. We have said since the restoration of devolution that we would make victims and survivors a priority for this administration.
"We hope that this document will help to move us on the road to making a real difference to the lives of those who have been most affected by the events here over the last 40 years."
Since the appointment of four Victims' Commissioners earlier this year, an ongoing debate has emerged over the definition of a 'victim'.
The draft proposals have already been discussed at Committee level at Stormont and will now go out for a 12-week public consultation.
(PR)
The strategy has outlined a blueprint of how those sitting around the Executive table hope to deal with the sensitive issue of victims.
The plans include the formation of three main bodies. A Victims' Commission, already a controversial area; a Victims' Forum; and a Victims' Service.
Sinn Fein Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: "We want to ensure that future support and services are shaped by victims and survivors. It is important that everyone with an interest in victims’ and survivors’ issues read this draft document carefully and gives us their views."
Mr Kelly’s DUP counterpart Jeffery Donaldson said: "Today marks another important step forward for the Executive. We have said since the restoration of devolution that we would make victims and survivors a priority for this administration.
"We hope that this document will help to move us on the road to making a real difference to the lives of those who have been most affected by the events here over the last 40 years."
Since the appointment of four Victims' Commissioners earlier this year, an ongoing debate has emerged over the definition of a 'victim'.
The draft proposals have already been discussed at Committee level at Stormont and will now go out for a 12-week public consultation.
(PR)
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15 January 2007
Victims Commissioner appointment not quashed
A High Court ruling has not quashed the appointment of Bertha McDougall as the Northern Ireland Interim Victims Commissioner. However, in his ruling Lord Justice Girvan said that the appointment was "improper and politically motivated.
Victims Commissioner appointment not quashed
A High Court ruling has not quashed the appointment of Bertha McDougall as the Northern Ireland Interim Victims Commissioner. However, in his ruling Lord Justice Girvan said that the appointment was "improper and politically motivated.
08 May 2002
Ministers off to Spain to meet victims’ groups
Northern Ireland Office Victims Minister Des Browne and Junior Stormont Minister Des Haughey are to meet with politicians and victims’ groups in Spain.
Ministers off to Spain to meet victims’ groups
Northern Ireland Office Victims Minister Des Browne and Junior Stormont Minister Des Haughey are to meet with politicians and victims’ groups in Spain.
30 April 2008
Victims Highlighted As Trauma Centre Praised
With victims' issues very much on the agenda in general, a visit by Stormont Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson to an innovative facility aimed at dealing with trauma was well timed. He called at the Shankill Stress and Trauma Centre to congratulate staff on 21 years of delivering support to victims.
Victims Highlighted As Trauma Centre Praised
With victims' issues very much on the agenda in general, a visit by Stormont Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson to an innovative facility aimed at dealing with trauma was well timed. He called at the Shankill Stress and Trauma Centre to congratulate staff on 21 years of delivering support to victims.
10 December 2009
Executive Victims' Strategy Revealed
The long-awaited publication of the Stormont Executive's Strategy for Victims and Survivors of The Troubles has been announced. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the development in a written statement to the Assembly.
Executive Victims' Strategy Revealed
The long-awaited publication of the Stormont Executive's Strategy for Victims and Survivors of The Troubles has been announced. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the development in a written statement to the Assembly.
22 September 2021
Victims To Be Placed At The Centre Of The Justice System
The needs and interests of victims are to be placed at the centre of the justice system with the establishment of a new Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.
Victims To Be Placed At The Centre Of The Justice System
The needs and interests of victims are to be placed at the centre of the justice system with the establishment of a new Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.
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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.