Northern Ireland

Woman who witnessed father's UVF murder voices concern about Troubles pension scheme

SDLP councillor Denise Mullen
SDLP councillor Denise Mullen SDLP councillor Denise Mullen

A woman who witnessed her father's murder has voiced concern that a planned pension scheme for Troubles victims will not help those suffering from psychological trauma.

SDLP councillor Denise Mullen saw her father Denis being gunned down at their home near Moy in Co Tyrone in 1975 when she was aged four.

The terrified child sat for two hours with him after the notorious Glenanne Gang struck.

The gang included UVF, RUC and UDR members and was responsible for dozens of sectarian murders in the 1970s.

Ms Mullen said she has fought a severe form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for two decades and has also battled cancer.

The British government has been examining advice from the victims' commissioner on how to put in place a pension for people severely injured during the Troubles.

Ministers have ruled out including paramilitaries injured while carrying out attacks following concerns raised by some victims' groups.

Ms Mullen last night expressed concern that people who suffer from psychological conditions will not benefit.

“This pension only applies to those that have lost a limb or who are in a wheelchair - it does not apply to those who suffer daily with PTSD, an every bit as debilitating condition as losing a limb," she said.

She also questioned whether eligible former members of the security forces already receive a pension.

“How many ex-members of the British army or RUC who will receive this pension already receive payouts and perks from those organisations plus a state pension?

"As it stands this pension discriminates against some victims."

A spokeswoman for the Commission for Victims and Survivors said: “The commission has advised government that those with psychological injuries, physical injuries or both should be equally eligible for the VASPA (Victims and Survivors Pension Arrangement) if they are severely and permanently disabled.

“The commission also advises that the nature of a person's former employment cannot be a factor in determining eligibility for the VASPA .

“In the situation where a person already has a pension which is specifically as a consequence of their Troubles-related injury, and is for an amount that is less than the VASPA, a payment that brings them up to the level of the VASPA is recommended.”