Troubles Legacy Group Tackles Victims' Compensation

The group set up to find 'ways forward' in dealing with the legacy of over 3,000 people being killed during the three decades of Northern Ireland's Troubles, is about to publish its findings.

After a meeting with PM Gordon Brown earlier this week, a surprise development flowing from the work of the Government-sponsored group the 'Consultative Group on the Past' is that the Government is to be asked to pay a figure of £12,000 to the families of all those killed during the NI Troubles.

However, if the recommendation is accepted - with the cost estimated to be £40m - the real controversy is likely to be less about the amount of money needed and more on the co-chairs' assertion that everyone should be treated in the same way, with no differentiation between innocent victims and perpetrators killed during terrorist actions.

Lord Eames and Denis Bradley are expected to say that the families of paramilitary victims, members of the security forces and civilians who were killed will all be entitled to the same amount.

The Consultative Group on the Past is also expected to recommend the creation of a five year 'Legacy Commission', appointed by the British and Irish governments, to deal with the past - and to say there should be no further public inquiries.

The total cost of the proposals would be £300m, and the Irish government will be asked to make a significant contribution.

See: Troubles Legacy Group For No 10

(BMcC/JM)